Ja’lyn Jackson (right), from Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado with two friends at a UVA football game.
The transition from high school to college is a significant milestone for Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars.
“Make sure you’re prepared for the realities of student life and pick a major that you’ll love working in for years to come.”
For first-generation college students, this journey is both exciting and challenging, full of unexpected experiences, moments of personal growth, and valuable lessons. We spoke with three of our collegians, Hesed Cruz and Cynthia Moran from Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona, and Ja’lyn Thomas Jackson from Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado, to learn about their first-year college experiences and the advice they have for high school scholars preparing for the next, big chapter of their lives.
“At Boys Hope Girls Hope, ensuring our young people are prepared for the future is a major priority,” said James Williams, Director of Post-Secondary Success and Strategic Partnerships at Boys Hope Girls Hope Network Headquarters. “Through unwavering support, mentorship, and resources, we help young people prepare for, transition to, and thrive in college, equipping them with the tools to overcome challenges, unlock their potential, and build brighter futures for them and their community.”
Hesed Cruz: Learning Independence and Staying True to Your Values (Santa Clara University – Communications and Film Studies)
Hesed Cruz, an out-of-state, first-generation Hispanic college student, reflects on the surprises and challenges of college life at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit university and Boys Hope Girls Hope partner school situated at the heart of Silicon Valley.
“My experience was really unexpected,” he said. “I didn’t anticipate having flexible schedules or the amount of support professors offered. But at the same time, being far from home was harder than I thought. I miss it sometimes.”
Hesed has found college to be a mix of challenges and rewards, such as striking the right balance between socializing and studying. Despite that, Hesed has found value in being a LEAD scholar at Santa Clara University, a program for first-generation college students that assists in academic planning and success, community engagement, and vocational exploration. “[The program] connected me with students who share similar struggles and offers mentorship and guidance for my college journey,” Hesed said.
He advises Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars to reflect carefully on their readiness to leave home and to choose a college and major that aligns with their goals and happiness. “Make sure you’re prepared for the realities of student life and pick a major that you’ll love working in for years to come,” Hesed emphasized.
Left to Right: Hesed Cruz (AZ) in his cap and gown, Cynthia Moran in her senior photo (AZ), and Ja’lyn Jackson (left, CO) with friends at a UVA football game.
“The scholars who are the most successful are the ones who take advantage of their opportunities.”
Cynthia Moran: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Opportunity (University of Arizona – Political Science)
Cynthia Moran has found her first semester both fulfilling and transformative. “I’ve realized I belong in every room I step into,” Cynthia says. “As first-generation students, we often struggle with imposter syndrome, but I’ve learned to prioritize my goals while staying connected to my family.”
Though only two hours from home, studying at Arizona State University, Cynthia faced homesickness and missed family moments, such as her sisters’ soccer games and school dances. “Thankfully, my family calls every day to remind me how much they love me,” Cynthia shares.
Despite these challenges, Cynthia has embraced numerous opportunities, from networking in the Latino Lawyers Club to canvassing for Mi Familia Vota. She also participated in voter education initiatives and shared her family’s experiences with NPR during a pivotal election season.
Cynthia’s advice to Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars is to never let fear hold them back. “Apply for that internship, network, and pursue your passions,” she encourages. “You are capable of doing more than you think. Don’t close doors out of fear of the unknown.”
Cynthia’s experiences in her first year of college track closely with what Alexandra Harmon, the College and Career Success Director at the Arizona affiliate, sees again and again in her work with scholars and collegians.
“The scholars who are the most successful are the ones who take advantage of their opportunities,” Harmon said. “Apply to the internship, join the club, talk to the guest speaker after class. This leads to a snowball effect where more opportunities keep opening up to them: that conversation leads to a research position, or the internship leads to an even better paying job. As the saying goes, ‘Ninety percent of success is just showing up.’ The ones who stand out from their peers are the ones who put themselves out there.”
Ja’lyn Thomas Jackson: Thriving in a Supportive College Community (University of Virginia – Business/Arts and Sciences Undeclared)
Ja’lyn Jackon (Left) with a friend at a UVA football game.
Ja’lyn Thomas Jackson, a first-year student at the University of Virginia, has embraced the rewards and challenges of college life.
“So far, I’ve really been enjoying UVA,” Ja’lyn shares. “There are times when school can get tense and hard, like during economics exam weeks or while applying to the business school, but aside from those times, it’s extremely rewarding being here.”
Ja’lyn highlights the diversity and connectedness of college life. “I’ve been able to learn so much because it’s such a diverse setting. There’s always someone willing to share their experiences, and professors teach unique courses. I was really surprised by the sense of community at a big school like UVA—it’s far more connected than I expected.”
For Ja’lyn, rewarding moments include attending office hours and building relationships with professors. “You feel so much more confident after meeting with a professor about the material,” Ja’lyn explains.
His advice to scholars is straightforward yet powerful: “Find a good support system that will help you thrive while you’re here, and most importantly, remember to have fun.”
AUTHOR
Martin Totland is the Media and Communications Director at Boys Hope Girls Hope Network Headquarters.
A Message of Encouragement
Hesed, Cynthia, and Ja’lyn agree that college is a time of growth, learning, and self-discovery. Their stories show that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every success is a step toward a brighter future, something Boys Hope Girls Hope hopes to provide for every scholar who comes through our program.
For our high school scholars, their advice is clear: prepare a lot and really sit down to think through what you want out of college, stay true to your values, be open to new experiences, and believe in your potential. The journey ahead may be daunting, but with the support of Boys Hope Girls Hope, and your own determination, anything is possible.