11-04-2025
When I think back to my time at Purdue, it’s hard to believe that one college application changed the trajectory of our entire family. I was the first in my family to attend college, and not just the first to attend, but also the first to graduate and live in the U.S.
My parents are Mexican immigrants who worked multiple jobs to give my brother and me the chance to dream bigger. Going to college was always “a big deal,” but at the time, I didn’t really understand what that meant.
When I was in high school in Hammond, Indiana, I didn’t know much about college. I didn’t understand financial aid, didn’t know how to fill out the FAFSA or even what internships were. It all felt like foreign territory. That changed my junior year of high school when I met Darren Henry, who recruited me into BOP at Purdue. That program completely changed my life and my family’s.
Thanks to scholarships and BOP, I found a place where I belonged. It became my support system. The friends I made in BOP are still some of my closest friends today; we’ve built businesses together, attended each other’s weddings and supported each other long after graduation. Having people who came from similar backgrounds helped fill the void of home and reminded me that I wasn’t alone.
But being a first-generation college student wasn’t easy. I battled imposter syndrome almost every day. There weren’t many students who looked like me or shared my background, and it took me about a year to really find my footing. There were so many moments I doubted myself. For example, walking into my first internship at Eli Lilly, being the first freshman intern they’d ever had, still made me feel like I didn’t belong in those big corporate rooms.
My parents had worked in factories and cleaned buildings; I didn’t have a roadmap for what I was doing. What got me through was faith, perseverance and the belief that I could handle anything if I worked hard enough. I lived by that, and these things got me through my time as a Boilermaker.
Graduation day was emotional. I remember walking across that stage and just bursting into tears. It felt like the weight of generations on my shoulders. That diploma wasn’t just for me; it was for my parents and everyone who sacrificed to make it possible.
Now, when I look at my family, I can see the ripple effect. Since I graduated, seven of my cousins and my younger brother have gone on to attend Purdue. My cousins grew up hearing me talk about my classes, my professors and campus life, and when it came time for them to choose a school, they chose Purdue too. Seeing my entire family in black and gold is one of our proudest accomplishments. Purdue isn’t just my story anymore. It’s our story. We bleed black and gold. To first-generation students just starting out, my advice is simple: find a mentor, build your support system, and give yourself credit. You belong here. The path may feel uncertain, but it will be so worth it when you realize the difference you’ve made, not just for yourself, but for everyone who comes after you.
Today, I’m so proud to see Purdue celebrating first-generation students and recognizing what it takes to succeed. It’s a big deal to take that leap of faith. And as I see others in my family stepping onto campus, I can’t help but smile because the first Purdue application truly turned into a legacy of nine.
Ariana Diaz graduated from Purdue in 2016 as a first-gen student. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration and management. She is currently a brand and social strategist who helps brands transform through strategic social media. While at Purdue, she was in BOP, where she created strong connections and found her place as a Boilermaker.
