As a first-generation college student (FGCS), I have never felt entirely comfortable with this label, both in academic spaces and in various personal family situations. The notion of being a FGCS has evoked internal embarrassment, a sense of academic otherness, and external micro-aggressions. Through an autoethnographic analysis of my participation in the FGCS annual workshop, I explore the strengths and weaknesses of this category. The workshop provided insights into the diverse experiences of FGCSs, revealing it to be a fluid academic construct with multiple voices and narratives. However, when intersecting with other identities, the fragility of the FGCS category emerged, leading to conflicting conversations and resistance among participants. A rigid definition of FGCS overlooks its historical context of social exclusions and disregards the unique sensitivities and differences among ethnic and national groups within it. This approach weakens the struggle of marginalized groups and perpetuates their exclusion, both on and off campus. Acknowledging the complexity and diversity within the FGCS category can foster a more inclusive environment that respects the unique experiences of each individual. This approach paves the way for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by FGCSs and empowers them to navigate their academic journeys with confidence.

中文翻译：

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探索学术身份：第一代大学生的差异性和尴尬的自我民族志

作为第一代大学生（FGCS），无论是在学术领域还是在各种个人家庭情况下，我都从未对这个标签感到完全舒服。成为 FGCS 的想法引起了内部的尴尬、学术上的差异感和外部的微侵犯。通过对我参加 FGCS 年度研讨会的自我民族志分析，我探索了这一类别的优势和劣势。该研讨会深入探讨了 FGCS 的不同经历，揭示了它是一个具有多种声音和叙述的流动学术结构。然而，当与其他身份交叉时，FGCS类别的脆弱性就显现出来，导致参与者之间的对话冲突和抵制。FGCS 的严格定义忽视了其社会排斥的历史背景，也忽视了其中种族和民族群体之间的独特敏感性和差异。这种做法削弱了边缘群体的斗争，并使他们在校园内外长期受到排斥。承认 FGCS 类别的复杂性和多样性可以营造一个更具包容性的环境，尊重每个人的独特经历。这种方法为全面了解 FGCS 所面临的挑战铺平了道路，并使他们能够充满信心地开展学术之旅。