Embarking on a doctoral journey is already a daunting task, but doing so as a first-generation college student adds another layer of complexity. Unlike those with academic mentors in their family, I entered my Ph.D. program at Wayne State University with little guidance on how to navigate the institutional maze. I quickly learned that the road to a doctorate is not just about research and writing—it’s about persistence, self-advocacy, and learning to leverage resources when the people and processes don’t always work in your favor.
The Reality of Advisement Struggles
One of the most challenging aspects of my doctoral experience has been dealing with advisement issues. From the start, I faced roadblocks in securing a dissertation chair and forming my committee. The process, which should have been guided and supported, often felt like a solo trek through a dense forest. My advisor was not as accessible or responsive as I needed, making it difficult to get clarity on next steps. This was particularly frustrating because, as a first-generation doctoral student, I didn’t have the institutional knowledge or a network of academic mentors to help me troubleshoot these issues.
Beyond that, critical milestones—such as submitting my Plan of Work, advancing to candidacy status, and ensuring my dissertation research course overrides were in place—became sources of stress. Without proactive advisement, I frequently found myself scrambling at the last minute to complete required paperwork, meet deadlines, and ensure I didn’t fall out of compliance. The process of getting acclimated felt never-ending, with new bureaucratic hurdles arising just when I thought I had things figured out.
Leveraging Resources for Success
Despite these challenges, I have learned that knowing where to find support can make all the difference. Wayne State University offers various resources that, once I became aware of them, helped me regain control over my progress:
- Annual Review/Individual Development Plan – Completing this has been critical for monitoring where I stand in the program. It ensures that I am actively working toward my goals and not just assuming that things will fall into place.
- Graduate School Forms & Deadlines – The sheer number of forms required for doctoral students can be overwhelming, but utilizing the Graduate School’s online portal for dynamic forms has streamlined the process. I also made it a habit to confirm deadlines well in advance.
- Graduate Ambassadors & Cohort Support – The encouragement from fellow Ph.D. students has been invaluable. My cohort, which includes others who understand the unique struggles of being first-gen and balancing work, life, and academics, has kept me motivated through difficult moments. Whether it’s a text message, a Zoom check-in, or an informal venting session, this community reminds me that I am not alone in this process.
- Advisory Committee Adjustments – When faced with unresponsive faculty, I learned that I could change committee members if needed. While this is not always an easy decision, making necessary adjustments to my team ensured that I had the right people in my corner.
Staying the Course Despite Setbacks
There have been times when I’ve questioned whether this degree is worth the struggle. The institutional hurdles, the delays, the unexpected roadblocks—it all takes a toll. But what keeps me moving forward is the vision of what this Ph.D. represents. It’s not just a personal achievement; it’s a symbol of breaking barriers and creating new pathways for future first-generation students like me.
I remind myself often: The system wasn’t designed with me in mind, but I refuse to let it push me out. Instead, I use every setback as a lesson, every challenge as an opportunity to sharpen my skills in perseverance, advocacy, and resilience.
If you’re a first-generation student struggling with advisement issues in your graduate program, know this: You are not alone, and you can get through this. Find your people, use your resources, and don’t be afraid to push back when necessary. The finish line may feel far away, but with the right support and determination, you will get there.
