“Do not go where the path may lead—go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail.”

Mama Moreno with Elvis

Editor’s note: A First Generation Professional (FGP) is the “first” in their immediate family to earn a 4-year college degree and/or to obtain a higher level professional position than what was held by either parent.

I recently watched “Elvis,” the new biopic about Elvis Presley. My mom is a big fan of Elvis, so I grew up listening to his music, but I never really knew much about his life. Learning about his story, I couldn’t help but notice that Elvis, was a first generation professional. He was the first in his family to achieve a level of socio-economic mobility—and was by all definitions, a bonafide success. Yet his story ends tragically. Elvis was talented and driven to succeed, but he encountered many challenges throughout his lifetime and didn’t have reliable people around him that really had his back.

There are so many of us who have a similar story. For those of us who are the first in our family to graduate from college or start a career, we are the trailblazers. And when you are “the first,” it often comes with its own unique set of challenges and barriers. The biggest one, being, you don’t know what you don’t know. If you are living a lifestyle that no one else in your family has ever experienced, you may not have access to a support system. While you may reach certified success, you may have to do it the hard way—often learning from your own missteps. These are mistakes that can be avoided, by gaining the knowledge to navigate your life from someone who has already gone through it.

As a fellow first gen professional, I understand how this feels, and have devoted my work and research identifying skills to promote a fulfilling lifestyle. I created the MorenoMethod to help fellow first gen professionals navigate their lives. The MorenoMethod stems from my research finding that first-gen college students possess inherent strengths that when cultivated and utilized, will lead to success (as defined by the person). It teaches a set of skills and tools to help you address your needs and thrive.

“Do not go where the path may lead—go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Be well,