Here is a summary and reflection on Nevaeh Anderson — as featured in “Ball State University” (BSU)’s First-Generation Student Chronicles. Her story gives insight into the challenges and growth of first-gen college students. Ball State University Blog
🎓 About Nevaeh Anderson
-
Nevaeh is a sophomore at Ball State University, majoring in Psychological Science (College of Sciences & Humanities) and Advocacy and Public Communication (College of Communication, Information, and Media). Ball State University Blog
-
She chose Ball State partly because it felt “just the right size” for her — familiar and manageable. Also, after applying for a scholarship, once she got it she felt committed to attending. Ball State University Blog
😬 Early Worries & What She Brought
Like many first-generation students, Nevaeh had worries about college life:
-
One of her biggest fears was being separated from her twin sister, who wasn’t joining Ball State. The thought of leaving someone she was close to her whole life was hard. Ball State University Blog
-
Despite that, she leaned on her internal strengths — especially her intrinsic motivation. Having a clear goal and confidence in that goal helped her stay grounded and focused. Ball State University Blog
⚠️ Challenges — Mental Health & Adjustment
Nevaeh points out that one of the hardest parts of college so far has been managing her mental health. She mentions that constantly being “on the go” made self-care difficult. Ball State University Blog
She needed to learn how to balance her academic workload and priorities while also making time for rest and self-care. Ball State University Blog
She also reflects that, in her early days at college, she wished she had known it’s okay not to have everything figured out — missing home, changing majors, or being uncertain about the future are all part of the experience of self-discovery. Ball State University Blog
✅ What Helped: Perspective, Flexibility & Self-Discovery
Nevaeh’s advice to incoming first-generation (or first-year) students at Ball State is thoughtful and encouraging:
“Every single college student will have a completely different college experience; make yours enjoyable for you. Take the time to take classes that pique your interest, join clubs that don’t fit your major, and allow yourself to enjoy your time here the way you want to enjoy your time.” Ball State University Blog
This reflects a mature mindset: college isn’t just about academics — it’s also about exploring new interests, discovering who you are, and building a life that suits you.
🌱 Broader Meaning: Why Nevaeh’s Story Matters
Nevaeh’s journey represents many realities of first-generation students:
-
The pressure of being the first in one’s family to attend college — a responsibility that comes with hopes, fears, and uncertainty.
-
The importance of internal motivation, resilience, and patience when navigating unfamiliar territory, especially when you can’t rely on family experience for guidance.
-
The value of self-care, mental-health awareness, and the willingness to adapt and learn — beyond just academic success.
-
The idea that college is as much a journey of personal growth and identity exploration as it is a stepping stone for career or education.
Her story is an encouragement to all first-gen or prospective college students: that uncertainty and doubt are normal — and success often comes through perseverance, self-awareness, and embracing the journey.