When N.C. Central University family and consumer science senior Kendra Barnes walks across the stage and receives her diploma, she will accomplish something that no one in her family has.
Barnes will be the first in her immediate family to graduate from a university. "Graduating is extremely important for me because I have siblings and I am like a role model," she said.
Barnes, who grew up knowing she would some day attend college, decided to attend college because she wanted to further her education.
While Barnes always knew she wanted to attend college, another Eagle says he did not. Eighteen-year-old Vincent Finney III, an NCCU undecided freshman, said he had no idea he would someday be attending college.
The thought, he said, didn't cross his mind until his junior year of high school.
Even then, coming into his senior year in high school, he felt he might have to skip college to help his family.
The Fayetteville native's mother has lupus and cannot work. But when his unemployed step father found work as a personal nurse, he decided he could head to college.
"Being around so many intelligent people that are so driven to go somewhere inspires me to be driven," Finney said of attending college.
There are numerous reasons why people don't go to college. Some aren't interested. Some are sidetracked by the birth of a child. Some need to help out their families by working.
"The people in my family always ended up pregnant, or didn't have the time, or wanted to work first," said Biancca Thomas, a family and consumer sciences freshman.
Not understanding the ins and outs of applying for college, or how to find financial aid also can prevent many from getting a college education.
"I think it all starts with their counselors," said Barnes.
"For those who parents didn't go to college, guidance counselors are trained to help you."
While some students need the help of counselors and advisers, others, like mass communication junior Terumi Dowdy, have parents who pushed and pushed them to get into college.
Dowdy said she wanted to join the military when she finished high school, but her parents insisted that she go to college.
"We didn't have the opportunity to do it because of limitations, but you don't have any, so go to school," they told her.
According to Barnes, "There should be colleges that are free because a lot of people really want to go but don't have the money."
NCCU started a program, First in Flight, in the fall of 2010 for Gen 1 male students, to support young men who are the first in their families to attend college.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now