How to maintain work–life balance as a first-generation college student

Kit Neikirk discusses his experience as a first-generation college student (FGS) balancing undergraduate college and offers suggestions for both students and institutions to help prepare FGS for a career in science. Often, FGS in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) fields face difficulties in attending college, which makes just getting to undergraduate studies a tumultuous journey, compounded by external factors. A plethora of studies have demonstrated the challenges for FGS, which include feelings of isolation, strains in inter-familial and student relationships, and increased factors associated with imposter syndrome [1]. For students who make it further in the STEMM pipeline,...