For some college students, earning a degree is about preparing for a career. For others, it is about changing the future of an entire family.

At Pellissippi State Community College, more than 30% of the 10,090 students enrolled in 2026 are first-generation college students. They are pursuing opportunities their parents may never have had while navigating the challenges of higher education, often without someone at home who has experienced college firsthand.

For Karrissa, a Pellissippi State first-generation student, the responsibility goes far beyond her own future.

“It’s a lot of pressure on my back to become something successful, to be the one to inspire my younger siblings and let them know there is a way out of how we were brought up,” she said.

“There are a lot of times where I want to quit… I tell myself, ‘No, you can’t keep quitting. You can’t just give up when it’s hard. That’s the time to push through.'”

Her words reflect the determination of students who are not only working toward a degree but also hoping to become an example for younger brothers, sisters and future generations.

When determination meets financial challenges

First-generation students often balance coursework with jobs, family responsibilities and financial pressures. Even the most determined students can find their education threatened by an unexpected expense.

A car repair, the cost of textbooks or an unforeseen family need can make continuing college more difficult.

Pellissippi State is working to ease those burdens through its Life Happens: You Can Help campaign, which provides opportunities for donors to support students facing financial challenges.

One focus of the campaign is the First-Generation Scholarship, which helps students with tuition, books and other educational expenses.

For students already carrying the responsibility of being the first in their families to attend college, that assistance can make a meaningful difference.

A gift that says someone believes in you

Jaydin, another Pellissippi State first-generation student, understands what financial support can mean.

“I encourage people to donate. It really changes people’s lives. People like me. First-gen students,” Jaydin said.

Scholarship assistance can do more than reduce financial stress. It can give students the encouragement to continue when the challenges of college and everyday life seem overwhelming.

Hear directly from Pellissippi State’s first-generation students as they share what pursuing a college education means to them and their families.

For Karrissa, Jaydin and thousands of other first-generation students, education represents the possibility of a different future.

Their determination is already evident. A helping hand may be what allows them to reach the finish line.

Learn more: Hear from Pellissippi State’s first-generation students and discover how the Life Happens campaign supports their educational journeys.