Growing up in a family of middle school dropouts, I am shocked at how much “regular” kids get help from their parents. I see so many parents on this forum incessantly looking for the best options/planning out their academic plans from the age of 13… I really wish I had the opportunity to experience that - maybe my life would have changed dramatically. Having to pave my own road and consistently feeling like the world is turned against me… Be grateful guys and gals.
@wingear Hugs to you. Fwiw, my husband and I got very little - well none for him - help or encouragement from our parents. We did ok and we vowed to do things differently and we have. Of course we mess up, but you can be different. Good luck to you!!
@CAMidwestMom Thank you so much. Combined with my parents not knowing a single word of english besides “hello”,“how are you”,etc, I really didn’t know how the college admissions work until junior year. Being in a district with 30% dropout rate didn’t help too 
You are not alone. Many kids are in similar situations… I was a first gen college student though my parents were US born and I was fortunate that they really expected me to pursue college. When you get to college- and you will- seek out the advisors who have a passion for mentoring first- gen students. They are there, you may need to ask around a bit- then ask them if they would be willing to meet with you once a week or every other week until you hit your stride. People at your college want you to succeed- but you may need to tell them that you want the assistance and support. Find a helpful person in financial aid and stay in touch with them. Ask questions, lots of them. Advisors, faculty, staff at universities don’t see question asking as an imposition-- rather they see it as a opportunity to make a great investment in a student who will go on to help others.
@wingear just by coming to this forum you are ensuring that you have a better future. I see good things ahead for you and I really hope you can get the support you need, if not from your immediate family, maybe through your extended family, close friend, school, or church. Best wishes to you. You are clearly a good person and will do well.
Your initiative and self-reliance will serve you well all your life.
Let me add to what @Lindagaf said - you are on your way to success by simply knowing there are possibilities. Given your situation, there are many university outreach programs aimed at helping students like yourself.
You are waaay ahead of those other kids by figuring these things out on your own. You also want it more. I’d say congrats!
It isn’t fair that you do not have the support that you need, and it isn’t fair that some young people do not appreciate and blow off the excellent support that they do have. Just know that you are not alone and that your ability to persevere and figure things out on your own will serve you well in life. Also, you may meet a lot of mentors along the way who will take you under their wing and help to guide you even if that person isn’t your parent. Be open to those opportunities.