Things aren’t the same now as they were—be it the modern world to that of the previous generation. Little remains the same throughout history, and opportunities out of reach to the previous generation are readily available now. With this, the graduating class of 2024 reveals a new wave of first-generation college students embarking on wider waters.

First-generation college students—the first in their immediate family to attain higher education—had to find their own path and grapple with the pressures of the admissions process. To Diamond Bar High School seniors Joanna Liu and Lois Park, the journey to college was more than an achievement and a fulfillment of their dreams—it was a breaking of generational barriers and confirmation of a self-made providence.

“[My parents] told me that they came to America so that their children could have a better life than they did, and it feels like going to college is the first step in creating my career and a future that they had envisioned for their children,” Park said. “They always encouraged me to find something I enjoy and develop it in college.”

While the college admissions process was long, it also forced many applicants worldwide to learn to optimize their resources and make the most of their time to write the best essays that they could. Liu, for example, scrapped and rewrote many essays several times to form her ultimate final drafts. Since colleges use similar prompts to learn more about their applicants, students often reused their essays throughout the admissions process.

“The hardest part was starting an essay and making it feel right,” Liu said. “I often spent too much time starting essays and abandoning them because they didn’t feel right. It was hard, too, because I was often lost about what to do and I didn’t have anyone to turn to for help.”

Having to balance the stress of International Baccalaureate (IB) work and essays, classes, extracurriculars and college admissions simultaneously, the two faced challenges with consistency and deadlines, particularly with the rush that came with early decisions and early actions.

“I need to take the big step toward college first without guidance so I can guide my sisters who will come after me,” Liu said. “Frankly, it’s a bit terrifying, but it’s my job as the eldest of the family.”

With one month remaining until high school lets out, most prominent colleges have released their decision letters and students anticipate their future lives away from home.

“With the admissions process, I definitely felt the additional pressure throughout each day and the passing weeks,” Park said. “Once admissions were over, I did feel a large weight off of my shoulders, but the work for IB continued to keep me busy.”