The Family’s First
In February we welcomed Sharanā Baker to the She Unites stage to speak on ‘The Family’s First.’ Shanranā is the Director of the First Generation Scholars Program at Loras College and she shared with us her personal experience of being a first-generation college graduate. Below she has shared a brief recap of her experience for you all. Stay tuned to our podcast, And We Go On, for a two part episode with Sharanā.
“During the time of my journey in navigating a better life for myself, I noticed there were many setbacks through the means of academic, personal, and systemic barriers.
In times similar to this, many people would lean on the experiences, advice, and guidance of family members. However, I did not have that. So, I pathed a way to achieve goals my family was unfamiliar with or did not have the chance to navigate.
I believe the empowerment of people, women, and first gens is important. I believe it is important to have self-advocacy. Meaning, advocating for yourself in whichever your situation is, with always holding two realistic and accomplishable goals at hand throughout your journey.
The difference a person’s life circumstance can yield is by having an understanding of ones’ self, holding one’s self accountable, accomplishing small goals by yourself, and growing that connection to one’s self.
Through this, I was able to receive and effectively accomplish advice from mentors and people trying to help throughout my journey.
Through this process, I was able to become the first of many things in my family.
My speech focused on the empowerment of the self. Being able to complain about your situation, while simultaneously advocating and working towards your desired goals. My speech focused on acknowledging the hurt, the oppression, and the barriers of life, while not getting stuck in it. Lastly, my speech focused on how generational family trauma can cause us to be subconsciously oppressed and held back. So, advocating for the betterment of your goals, desires, and life through means of therapy, uncomfortable conversations, self-awareness, changing unhealthy dynamics, spiritual healing, and more. “