Do you know someone who would excel in college but is holding back because they feel intimidated by the idea? It’s disheartening to see such potential go untapped due to fear or uncertainty.

In my travels around the district, I have the chance to talk with many people thinking about college. This includes parents of college-aged students, professionals and educators working with high school students, adults thinking about returning to school, and high school students themselves, many are unsure about their college choices. Of course, at College of the Redwoods, we want to encourage everyone to attend CR or Cal Poly Humboldt. From a business perspective, we can look at higher education as an investment.

I believe that no matter how you assess the positives and negatives of higher education, the positives always outweigh the negatives. As we know, contrary to what critics would have us believe, data still shows that a college education leads to upward mobility, greater civic engagement, and wage gains, especially for low-income and first-generation college students. Unfortunately, I have learned through research and anecdotally while talking with my high school colleagues, these are the same students who are also especially vulnerable to feelings of intimidation or inadequacy.

Studies show that many first-generation students face imposter syndrome, feeling that they are “not college material” and doubt their ability to succeed in higher education (The Century Foundation, Lakewood University). The absence of mentors and professional networks further exacerbates this challenge, making it difficult for them to navigate academic and career development (ED Blog). Similarly, low-income students, including many Native American students, face significant barriers. Financial strain is a common issue, with research indicating that 72% of Native students run out of money at least once in six months, and over 50% struggle with food insecurity  (The 74 Million)​​ (Georgetown University, THE FEED)​.

Beyond these specific groups, many students encounter various psychological barriers, including a fear of failure, especially those who have faced academic challenges in the past. These students may struggle with self-esteem, confidence and/or mental health issues such as stress and anxiety. Additionally, feelings of being unprepared for college-level work can make their transition to higher education more daunting. However, by addressing these challenges through comprehensive support systems, we can help all students, regardless of their background, realize their potential and thrive in higher education. By providing encouragement, resources and guidance, we empower them to overcome obstacles and achieve their educational goals.

At College of the Redwoods, we are especially prepared to help students who may feel they are not “college material.” While we are committed to supporting all of our students, one of our principal goals is to establish stronger wraparound experiences for students’ total connection to the college and to provide additional support for low-income, first-generation, and Native American students, as well as those who have faced academic and psychological challenges. In the classroom, our dedicated faculty members provide personalized mentoring, and our small class sizes allow for individualized attention. These students hold a special place in our hearts, and, for 60 years, we have been transforming their aspirations from “I wish” to “I can.”