Beyond My Comfort Zone: How My College Counselor Helped Me Imagine a Different Future
Being a first-generation college student living away from home has its challenges, but Lissa A. is thriving and having fun in her new environment! She is a recent graduate of The Young Women’s Leadership School of Manhattan (TYWLS Manhattan), one of six Young Women’s Leadership schools in New York City. As the eldest daughter in a tight-knit family, Lissa stepped out of her comfort zone to enroll in Smith College in Massachusetts. She shares her college journey and imparts advice for younger students approaching this milestone.
Girls’+ Education: Celebrating and Uplifting Each Other
What did you enjoy most about the girls’+ school environment at TYWLS?
I loved how supportive all the students were of each other. Rather than feeling competitive, everyone was uplifting and celebrating all of our wins. When I was applying to college, I felt that one of the only reasons I’d ever leave New York City had to be for an environment with the same spirit of TYWLS, where I would be surrounded by women who uplift each other.
Getting Comfortable with the Idea of College Away From Home
What kinds of questions or concerns did you have when you started the college list and scholarships process?
Initially, I was very clear, I did NOT want to go to college away from home! Being in my own neighborhood and home feels comfortable and safe. Ms. Figueroa, my director of college counseling (DCC), was really persistent about including a wide variety of schools on my list. She respected that I would apply to many colleges in the city, but insisted that I must have at least one upstate and one out-of-state option.
The turning point was being nominated for the Posse Foundation opportunity, which my DCC introduced me to in my junior year. When I was going through the Posse assessment process, I realized it wasn’t just essays. It was very different, with in-person workshops, group activities, and interviews, which actually made me more open to the idea of going away to college with some of these students. Also, going on college trips with Student Leadership Network, including an overnight trip, gradually helped me become more comfortable with exploring an out-of-state option. When I got the Posse Foundation Scholarship to attend Smith, I was really excited.
What was your family’s reaction to your decision to attend college away from home?
Culturally, females going away for college is a big no-no in my community. There’s a fear for my safety, something my aunts and grandmother talked about constantly. My mom was having a difficult time thinking of her oldest daughter leaving, but she knew it was a really good opportunity and wanted me to take it. We are so close, and we still talk or text every day!
I have two younger sisters, and I want to be there for them as they grow up, but I also know that I have to live my own life at some point. For anyone facing this decision that I just went through, if you have the opportunity and financial stability to go away to college, do it. See what life can be like without your family and discover yourself. It also gives your family time to adjust to not having you around all the time.
College Life and Advice for Students
What do you find exciting about Smith so far?
Canoeing at Smith College 
Lissa, far right, with friends at Smith 
Selecting plants from the greenhouse, a Smith tradition
Taking part in the summer bridge program at Smith allowed me to adapt to college life sooner, be on campus earlier, and feel more comfortable in a new environment. Imposter syndrome is very common, and sometimes I still find it difficult not to compare myself to others.
I’m very excited about the open curriculum at Smith. I set a goal: for every semester, I want to take a class that teaches me a life skill or something that is just for fun. I’ve taken costume design, weight lifting, and strength and flexibility classes so far. I hope to take a swimming class next year!
Any advice for high school students planning for life after high school?
Every road leads somewhere. If you have the opportunity to do something that will give you a leg up, like a QuestBridge or Posse Foundation scholarship or anything else, try it out and just go for it. And for seniors, especially, trust that everything meant for you will come to you, and take time to enjoy your last year of high school.
