Why first-generation students don't go to their advisors—and how to get them there | EAB Daily...

I used the college advisers regularly when in college. The Veteran's office never seemed there to do much, but handle the VA paperwork for tuition payments. The school advisers were the go to people about class choices and major info. Will give credit to the veteran's office at U of Houston for getting the word out to Vets about specific scholarships. I was there with just my Hazelwood benefits, which was a big help, but there were a lot of other expenses that this veteran's scholarship helped cover. It was a huge help as I had two kids in high school as I was finishing up my last two years.

I was a first gen college student. neither of my parents or grandparents ever obtained degrees. The article seems to be saying that if you have relatives that completed college you go in knowing what advising will help you with. I'm not sure that is really true. That assumes past family members shared info and know something about the way colleges in the present do things. I'm also pretty sure that what one generation of students got out of advising won't reflect what the next generation obtains. That is about how the college is run and how proactive the institution is about getting info to students.

Nice article, but for me, it's about having someone who can relate to me, has communication skills, and understands customer service. I rarely talk to my school advisors because they don't know much about me as a Veteran. I use the Student Veterans Organization and other Vet resources. If I weren't a Veteran, I'd probably be screwed because I don't feel any of the counselors I've met don't understand where I came from.

End rant.