TED Talk: "First Generation Success: There Is No Spoon"

Introduction: Hello everyone! Let’s play a game. Raise your hand if you’ve ever had to explain FAFSA to your parents. Keep it up if you’ve ever Googled “What is office hours?” Now, how many of you have been the first in your family to navigate college life, feeling like you were deciphering an ancient, secret code? If your hand is still up, welcome—this talk is for you.

My name is Dr. Rosie, and I am First Generation Success all day! First in my family to graduate from college. First to earn a doctorate—fun fact, my cap had something a little extra, but we’ll get to that later. First to reach the C-suite. My journey has been filled with surprises, moments of doubt, and powerful realizations. And the greatest lesson I’ve learned? There is no spoon.

What Does ‘There Is No Spoon’ Mean? If you’ve ever seen The Matrix, you might remember the scene where a child tells Neo, “There is no spoon.” The point? The only limitations that exist are the ones we believe in. First-generation students often feel boxed in by expectations, confusion, or the sense that we are out of place. But what if I told you that the barriers we see—being the first, not having a roadmap, the self-doubt—aren’t actually there?

The Challenges: What We Didn’t Sign Up For First-generation students don’t just go to college; we bring our entire families, communities, and responsibilities with us. We translate, advocate, and navigate.

• Have you ever had to explain to your family why you can’t just come home on a Tuesday to run errands?

• Ever feel guilty for pursuing opportunities that weren’t available to those before you?

• How about dealing with imposter syndrome—questioning if you really belong in that classroom, internship, or leadership role?

These experiences aren’t just obstacles; they are training grounds. You are learning resilience, adaptability, and leadership—all skills that will serve you beyond college.

The Solutions: First-Gen Success Strategies So how do we not just survive but thrive?

1. Decode the System – College is a game, and every game has rules. Learn how to access resources, find mentors, and take the right classes early.

2. Build Your Squad – You don’t have to do this alone. Find other first-gen students, professors who support you, and professionals who have been in your shoes.

3. Own Your Story – Your background is not a weakness; it is your superpower. First-gen students are natural problem-solvers, community builders, and innovators. Employers and leaders are looking for people just like you.

My Story: A Comical Take on the ‘Surprises’ of First-Gen Life I’ve had my fair share of “first-gen moments.” Like the time I went to a professor’s office hours thinking it was a mandatory meeting. Or when I wore my doctoral cap with an extra tassel because—why not? No one in my family knew the rules! But those moments are what made me who I am today.

Invitation to Connect: First-Generation students, what’s your surprise? Because trust me, there isn’t a first-gen experience I haven’t seen. My mission is to help you optimize your journey, tackle challenges, and thrive. I wrote Rosie Goes to College: A Set Up for Success to share my lessons, and I am here to help guide you through your own success story.

Final Thought: Remember: There is no spoon. There are no real boundaries. The only limits are the ones we accept. And you, first-gen student, are limitless.

Let’s connect, strategize, and create success together. I’m Dr. Rosie, and I believe in YOU.