The Emotional Journey of First-Generation Scholars in Literature
In literature, the portrayal of first-generation scholars—students who are the first in their families to attend college or achieve academic success—provides a compelling lens through which to explore themes of identity, ambition, belonging, and sacrifice.
These characters often navigate a complex emotional landscape filled with pride, guilt, isolation, and resilience. Their stories are not just about academic achievement; they are emotional odysseys that shed light on the intersections of education, family, culture, and personal growth.
From young adult fiction to literary novels, the emotional journey of first-generation scholars is a powerful narrative thread that resonates deeply with readers who have walked similar paths or seek to understand the internal struggles behind outward success. This blog post will explore how literature captures these emotional experiences, the obstacles these characters face, and what their stories reveal about society at large.
1. The Weight of Expectations
One of the most defining features of the first-generation scholar’s journey is the intense pressure to succeed. Literature often depicts these characters as carrying not just their personal hopes, but also the unfulfilled dreams of their families and communities. This sense of duty can be both a motivating force and a heavy burden.
In The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, protagonist Esperanza Cordero dreams of escaping the poverty of her Chicago neighborhood through education. While the novel doesn’t follow a traditional college-bound narrative, it powerfully illustrates the internal conflict of wanting more for oneself while feeling tethered to the people and place left behind. Esperanza's journey is filled with quiet emotional turmoil—a blend of longing, guilt, and fierce determination.
Similarly, in Educated by Tara Westover, a memoir rather than fiction, Tara’s pursuit of education is a radical act of self-determination. Raised by survivalist parents in rural Idaho, she has to fight against not only societal obstacles but also her family's disbelief in formal education. Her emotional journey is marked by moments of revelation and heartbreak as she distances herself from her origins in order to grow intellectually and emotionally.
2. Guilt and Disconnection from Family
A recurring theme in literature about first-generation scholars is the guilt of leaving home, both physically and emotionally. As characters enter academic institutions—often spaces dominated by privilege and unfamiliar cultural norms—they begin to experience a growing chasm between their past and present selves.
In The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri, Gogol Ganguli’s journey is not strictly that of a first-generation college student—his parents are educated immigrants—but his experiences reflect similar emotional struggles. As he tries to forge his own identity in elite academic and social circles, he increasingly feels alienated from his Bengali heritage and family expectations. The novel captures the emotional fragmentation that comes with code-switching between two worlds.
In Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok, Kimberly Chang, a young immigrant from Hong Kong, lives in poverty while attending an elite school on scholarship. Her academic success brings pride but also emotional isolation, as she must constantly navigate two vastly different realities: the world of wealth and opportunity at school, and the harsh conditions of her home life. The emotional dissonance she experiences—being praised by teachers while hiding her family's poverty—adds a heartbreaking layer to her journey.
3. Impostor Syndrome and Insecurity
First-generation scholars in fiction often struggle with impostor syndrome—the persistent feeling that they don’t belong or are undeserving of their success. Surrounded by peers who have had lifelong academic grooming and support, these characters may feel out of place, anxious, and overly self-critical.
In Dear Martin by Nic Stone, Justyce McAllister attends a prestigious prep school on scholarship. Though brilliant and driven, he constantly feels the sting of being judged by the color of his skin and the assumptions about his background. His emotional journey reflects how systemic bias and class-based microaggressions compound the already difficult path of a first-generation scholar.
In On the Come Up by Angie Thomas, Brianna dreams of becoming a famous rapper while also trying to keep up her grades and make her late father proud. Though not a traditional "scholar" narrative, her story parallels that of many first-generation students who are torn between academic expectations and personal expression, trying to prove their worth in spaces that weren’t built for them.
4. Mentorship and Support Systems
Despite the emotional hardships, literature also highlights the transformative power of mentorship and support in the lives of first-generation scholars. These relationships often act as emotional anchors, providing not just academic guidance but also validation and encouragement.
In The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, young Lily Owens, though not a first-generation scholar in a conventional sense, finds intellectual and emotional refuge in the Boatwright sisters, who educate and nurture her. Her growth is made possible through these relationships, which function similarly to how mentorship works for first-gen characters—offering a lifeline to those navigating unfamiliar academic or social territory.
In Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, a memoir in verse, the protagonist’s early experiences with books and learning are deeply emotional. Teachers and librarians who recognize her talent become instrumental in shaping her self-image and aspirations. The emotional resonance of these relationships underscores the importance of compassionate adult figures in helping first-generation students believe in themselves.
5. Balancing Two Worlds: Identity Formation
A central emotional challenge for first-generation scholars is the need to reconcile multiple identities. Who are they becoming, and what parts of themselves are being left behind? Literature often uses internal monologue and emotional flashbacks to show how these characters negotiate the gap between the person they are at school and the one they are at home.
In Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue, Jende Jonga and his wife Neni come to the United States from Cameroon to chase the American Dream. Though it’s the parents who dream of scholarships and education for their son, the emotional tension lies in what is gained and what is lost in that pursuit. The novel explores how first-generation ambitions affect family dynamics, marriage, and personal identity, painting a holistic emotional picture of scholarly aspiration.
In Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson, Jade is a talented Black teenager who attends a mostly white private school on scholarship. She feels pulled in different directions—by her mother, who wants her to seize every opportunity; by her mentors, who mean well but don’t fully understand her; and by her own desire to define success on her own terms. The novel beautifully captures the emotional complexity of learning to advocate for oneself while honoring one's roots.
6. Emotional Growth Through Adversity
While the journey of a first-generation scholar is fraught with challenges, literature often emphasizes emotional resilience and growth. The adversity they face—poverty, discrimination, homesickness, self-doubt—becomes the crucible through which they forge their identities.
In A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, Francie Nolan’s pursuit of education is deeply emotional. Despite her family’s poverty and her father's alcoholism, she dreams of going to college. The story traces her emotional maturation—her ability to find beauty in hardship and strength in vulnerability. Francie’s success is not just academic; it's emotional and spiritual, representing a hard-won independence.
In I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez, Julia Reyes struggles with grief, cultural expectations, and depression. Her desire to leave Chicago for college becomes a beacon of hope, and though her journey is painful, it is also one of healing and self-discovery. The scholarship she hopes for represents more than education—it symbolizes her right to pursue happiness and wholeness.
Conclusion: More Than a Degree
In fiction, first-generation scholars are more than aspirants for diplomas. They are emotional warriors, fighting to carve out identities, affirm their self-worth, and bridge the gap between where they come from and where they’re going. Their stories give voice to millions of real-life experiences that are often overlooked or simplified in mainstream narratives.
These literary journeys show us that scholarships and academic success come at a cost—sometimes emotional, often invisible. But they also highlight the strength, complexity, and humanity of those who walk this path. Through characters that love, cry, stumble, and persevere, we see that the emotional journey of a first-generation scholar is not just compelling—it’s essential reading.
