A few weeks ago, I went through the scariest experience of my life. And it changed my perspective on everything. 

My name is Andrenna. I am a practicing attorney in the DC area and I recently experienced a serious medical emergency that left me hospitalized for several days.  The most terrifying moment was when the paramedic asked for my name . . . and I could not say it. It was awful!  I’m the mom of a toddler, a trial attorney, and an incredibly opinionated person who loves to talk.  Now that my voice is back, I want to use it.  Life is too short.

After the success of my Bar Exam Mentor series over the summer, which got over 300 watch hours on YouTube, I knew I wanted to continue sharing the lessons I have learned in my FirstGen journey.

After having the opportunity to reflect over the last few weeks, I’m finally ready to share my renewed mission for FirstGen Flourish. It really comes down to 3 goals:

#1 Creating a Space
to Connect Through Shared Vulnerability  

I want to create a space where we can acknowledge the struggles and concerns that come with the experience of being the first, one of the few, or the only in educational and professional spaces.  I have felt like this a lot as:

•  A first-generation American who is the proud daughter of two Central American immigrants,

• The first in my family to go to college, 

• As a Latina and working mother in the legal profession, 

• And as a person with ADHD and autoimmune issues who has to remain resilient to balance my disabilities with the demands of work and family life. 

I don’t want you to feel alone like I sometimes did, because you are not. There are others with similar concerns and doubts, who have succeeded in light of the obstacles they have had to face. 

And I know that as FirstGens it is really tempting to hide any weaknesses or concerns because we can already feel out of place.  But we can connect through these vulnerabilities and share tips to solve them.

#2 Creating a Platform that Lifts Up
the Next Generation of “Firsts”

I will feature individuals who have thrived in unfamiliar and even unwelcoming spaces so that they can share their experiences and tips for success.  I will also promote pipeline programs committed to providing guidance to “FirstGens” to diversify underrepresented spaces. I will also identify resources that may help you achieve your dreams.

#3 Providing Positive Messaging and Inspiration

I want to provide you with a consistent stream of positive messaging and inspiration.  My hope is that my website, social media channels, and YouTube will give you repeated reminders about the power you possess and your future potential for success.

Keeping this sense of optimism can be hard for FirstGens—me included. Because I am not perfect, and that is okay. I have embraced being beautifully broken, and I am willing to open my brain and heart to learn new things to improve myself.

And if I am being honest, I have the feeling I’m probably going to learn more from you all than you will learn from me. Which is perfect! It is part of the journey, and I hope you will join me in it by subscribing to my YouTube channel, following me on social media, and sharing my content with others you think will benefit from it.

Thank you so much, and as always, I believe in you.