For the longest time, I have been confused as to whether or not I am a first generation college student. My three older sisters are attending/have graduated from UNC Chapel Hill, and I myself am in my first year at UNC. My father went to some college but dropped out before getting a degree, but my family hasn’t had contact with him since I was in 3rd grade, so I hardly think that should come into play. My mother, on the other hand, enrolled in an online college as an adult and got her Bachelor’s degree in 2010, when I was around 13 years old. I have seen that the definition for being a first generation college student is that “neither of your parents have received a 4 year degree,” but what about when they received that degree later in life as an adult?
When my mom was going back to school, even though I was just in middle school, my sisters and I would be the ones helping her with her assignments for her classes. I do not feel that I have had the privilege that a person whose parents were able to guide them through the college application process, although my three older sisters and resources at my high school were a great help to me. I am just confused, please help!