Kevin Plaxco

What advice would you give first-generation college students?

Ask questions! And not just about the subject matter of your courses, but about the whole process that is college. That guy sitting next to you is not necessarily any smarter than you, but if he had a parent or an older sibling who went to college the process is probably that much less mysterious to him, and that much easier to navigate.  That is his edge, but you can erase it: find someone who is succeeding and _ask her_ how she does it. Asking for advice and seeking mentoring are not signs of weakness, they're the signs of someone who's willing to do what it takes to thrive.  Be that someone.

Kevin Plaxco
Professor, Chemistry & Biochemistry
UC Santa Barbara