As a first-generation student, Annalia Escalante has carved out her place at KU. Her experience has led to meaningful connections and academic, personal and professional growth.

For junior Annalia Escalante, choosing KU was more than a decision about where to study. It was about discovering what was possible. A public administration major with a business minor, Annalia is the first in her family to attend college. She’s using her time on campus to build connections and open doors for others.

Annalia found her fit at KU through involvement and community. From joining the Latin American Student Union to taking part in the Mentored Scholars Program and becoming a member of a multicultural sorority, she has built a strong support system that has helped her grow academically and personally.

A First Generation Experience at KU

Below, Annalia shares how being a first-generation Jayhawk has shaped her experience, her goals, and her sense of belonging at KU.

Q: Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to KU.

A: I’m from Kansas City, Kansas. I’m a first-generation student majoring in public administration and minoring in business. I looked at several out-of-state schools at first because I didn’t really understand what the cost of college would look like. 

Once I started comparing scholarships and talking with my parents, KU became the clear choice. I received a scholarship that doubled what another school offered, and being close to home made it easier to stay connected while focusing on my goals.

I’ve always wanted to build a career that serves the Kansas City community. KU gives me that flexibility. I can intern locally, volunteer, and get involved in the region I love.

Q: What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

A: Being first-gen is definitely a privilege, and it’s something I don’t take lightly. It’s the opportunity to create opportunities for future generations of people like me, especially Latinos from Kansas City. Once we start that representation and keep it going, it leads to even more opportunities for others.

Q: What challenges or surprises have you experienced as a first-gen student?

A: My first year at KU was an adjustment. It was different being around people who weren’t first-gen and who had help from parents who had already gone through college. I had to figure out a lot of small details on my own, like how to register for classes or apply for things.

There was also some culture shock. As a first-gen student, you take college really seriously. You might have a job, help your family, and you’re trying to stay out of debt. Seeing other students who had more financial freedom or didn’t have to worry about those things was definitely eye-opening my freshman year.

Q: How did you find community on campus?

A: The first place was the Latin American Student Union. That’s where I met people who had almost the exact same experiences as me. Then I joined the Mentored Scholars Program, which has a big focus on first-gen students and has helped me meet people who care about mentorship and support.

I’m also a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma, a multicultural sorority that started at KU the year before I joined. I was part of the first intake class, and now we’re working on growing and sustaining the organization. It’s been exciting to help build something new that creates a sense of belonging for students like me.

Q: What advice would you give to new first-gen students coming to KU?

A: First, take advantage of campus resources like free tutoring and the Writing Center. They helped me a lot my first year.

Second, get involved as soon as you can. I’ve seen people who wait and later say, “I wish I’d joined something earlier.” Being involved shapes your entire college experience.

Third, reach out to your professors and build relationships with them. It helps to know you have people in your corner who want to see you succeed.

Q: How has being first-gen shaped your goals and outlook on life?

A: Being first-gen has shaped my college experience and how I view the world. I always want to be a resource for other students going through this for the first time. If a first-gen student called me in the future, I’d want to pick up the phone and say, “I’m here to help.”

It’s also shaped my work ethic. I know just earning a degree isn’t enough. I need to network, get involved, and find opportunities. It pushes me to go above and beyond, and that’s something I’ll carry with me after college.

Q: What are you working on right now, and what’s next for you?

A: I’m currently interning at J.E. Dunn Construction in their Community Impact department. I was able to extend my internship through the end of the year by asking if I could stay on after another team member left. That’s been a great learning experience and a chance to advocate for myself.

Long term, I’m not focused on a specific job title, but I do have a goal. I want to increase life opportunities for Latinos in the United States and help close the wealth gap. Whether that’s through a government agency or nonprofit work, I see myself in a career that serves people and opens doors for others.