I began my academic journey at Kirkwood Community College and transferred to University of Iowa. Years later, I returned to Iowa to complete a Masters degree and then a Ph.D. Although I wasn't technically a first-generation student, I was woefully uninformed about college classes, expectations, but especially the resources that were available. I muddled along for two years before I connected with a faculty member who took an interest in my future and it changed everything for me. I volunteered to be a first-gen mentor because I don't want other students to have to muddle through before finding someone who can answer questions or help point folks to people who can answer them. There are no silly questions--mastering the language of academia can be like learning a second language!