My name is Emely Rodriguez. I am a first-year student from Long Island, New York. When I was offered admission to the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, I was overjoyed and extremely eager to commit to a program that so closely aligned with both my personal and professional goals. Nonetheless, I was equally anxious at the thought of attending such an esteemed institution as a first-generation college student. Naturally, I was worried that my limited prior knowledge and connections would hinder my success as a student.