The Pehli Peedi Fellowship presents the first in a series of stories highlighting the experiences of first-generation students across India.
Sathya is a first-generation university student from Erode, Tamil Nadu, whose educational journey has been steady, grounded, and quietly determined. Coming from a family where higher education was not widely discussed, she found her motivation from within. Her story reflects how consistency, family support, and self-belief can shape a fulfilling academic life without loud struggles or dramatic turning points.
“I used my background as motivation—not as a limitation—to learn more and move forward.”
Read her full story below. Profile by Deepa.
Deepa: Where are you from? What was growing up in your hometown/village/city like?
Sathya: I am from Erode, a district in Tamil Nadu. Growing up there was simple and grounded. Life revolved around school, family, and the small joys of a familiar town. It wasn’t a place where higher education was deeply discussed, but it gave me a strong foundation.
Deepa: Tell me about your family—what do your parents or guardians do?
Sathya: We are a family of four. My parents have both completed their 12th standard. Even though they didn’t attend college themselves, they have always supported us in quiet but strong ways. My younger brother is currently in the final year of his B.Com Professional Accounting degree.
Deepa: Which school did you attend—government or private?
Sathya: I studied in a private school.
Deepa: Was education something people in your family or community talked about often?
Sathya: No, education was not discussed very often. Most people around me didn’t talk much about college or future studies, so I had to find my own motivation along the way.
Deepa: Are you comfortable sharing your caste? What role has caste played in your life?
Sathya: Yes, I belong to the BC (Backward Class) Gavara Naidu community. Caste hasn’t openly interfered in my daily life, but I do recognize how it shapes opportunities and access for many people, especially in terms of social expectations and representation.
Deepa: How many students were in your 12th class with you? How many went to college?
Sathya: There were 30 students in my 12th standard class, and all of them went on to complete a degree course. It was rare but very encouraging to see everyone take that step.
Deepa: Was it always known that you would go to college? If not, who inspired you?
Sathya: I was always interested in studying and gaining knowledge. The desire to continue learning came from within—it felt like a natural next step for me.
Deepa: Were there any hurdles you had to overcome to go to college?
Sathya: No, I did not face any major hurdles. My transition to college was smooth, thanks to my family’s support.
Deepa: What was your academic journey like—entrance exams, coaching, fees?
Sathya: My journey has been steady. I focused on my studies and worked consistently. I didn’t take any coaching or appear for CUET. I continued my education in Erode, managing everything within the resources available to me.
Deepa: Was this where you wanted to study?
Sathya: Yes, I chose to continue my education in Erode. Staying close to home helped me focus better on my academics without additional pressure.
Deepa: Did you face any challenges before joining college?
Sathya: No, I didn’t face any challenges before joining.
Deepa: Tell us about your college experience. Do students from your background face any issues?
Sathya: College has been very enriching. While I personally didn’t face major issues, I’ve noticed that students from similar backgrounds sometimes struggle with confidence or adjusting due to a lack of guidance.
Deepa: How has your university experience been so far?
Sathya: It has been good. The campus environment is peaceful, and I’ve felt comfortable from the beginning.
Deepa: Did university match your expectations?
Sathya: Yes, it matched—and even exceeded—my expectations. I’ve been able to learn and explore as I had hoped.
Deepa: Do you feel a sense of belonging?
Sathya: Yes, I do. The environment is friendly, which makes fitting in easy.
Deepa: How has your background shaped your experience?
Sathya: Coming from a small town has made me more grounded. I’ve grown in confidence and openness, and I’ve used my background as motivation rather than a limitation.
Deepa: How do you manage academic pressure?
Sathya: I try to avoid unnecessary pressure. The learning pace has been manageable, and I’ve stayed balanced.
Deepa: Is there any group or space where you feel connected?
Sathya: Yes, being around students with similar experiences makes the environment supportive and relatable.
Deepa: What were your goals when you joined university, and what are they now?
Sathya: My goal has always been to prepare for a government job, and that remains unchanged.
Deepa: What does success mean to you at this stage?
Sathya: Success means completing my postgraduate degree with confidence and knowledge.
Deepa: Do you carry any worries about the future?
Sathya: No major worries. I believe in focusing on one step at a time.
Deepa: Have you ever questioned your place here?
Sathya: No, I feel comfortable and grounded in my purpose.
Deepa: How has building a social life been for you?
Sathya: My focus has been more on learning than socialising. That has been enough for me.
Deepa: How are you financing your education?
Sathya: My education is fully supported by my family.
Deepa: Do you have mentors?
Sathya: Yes, both on campus and outside. Their guidance has been very helpful.
Deepa: What does a typical day look like?
Sathya: My day revolves around attending classes and learning. I don’t engage in part-time work at the moment.
Deepa: Do you receive any institutional support?
Sathya: No specific programs. I manage things with help from my family and mentors.
Deepa: Do you feel being first-gen affects how others perceive you?
Sathya: No, I haven’t felt that. I’m treated with respect like any other student.
Deepa: Have you experienced bias or assumptions?
Sathya: Nothing direct. Occasionally, there are small judgments, but I stay focused on my goals.
Deepa: Has language been a barrier?
Sathya: Tamil is my first language, and English was challenging at times, but I’ve adapted and continue improving.
Deepa: Do you feel seen and heard?
Sathya: Yes, especially in classrooms. Being acknowledged makes a big difference.
Deepa: What do you wish educators understood better?
Sathya: I appreciate my professors and hope they continue supporting students who may not come from privileged backgrounds but are deeply committed to learning.
Deepa: What have you discovered about yourself?
Sathya: I’ve realised I’m capable of much more than I thought. Internships and projects have helped me grow in confidence.
Deepa: Has your image changed in your community?
Sathya: Yes, my journey has helped others see my potential more clearly, and it has strengthened my own belief in myself.
Deepa: What advice would you give first-gen students?
Sathya: Stay focused and work hard. There are many opportunities ahead—don’t be afraid to dream bigger.
Deepa: If you could change one thing about higher education?
Sathya: I would like to see more focus on practical learning and clearer guidance on job opportunities.
Deepa: What do first-generation students need most to succeed?
Sathya: Exposure. Education opens doors that once felt out of reach.
Deepa: What’s something you’ve done here that you never imagined before?
Sathya: Participating in internships and projects—those experiences have been a big step forward for me.
This is an ongoing series of profiles documenting the experiences of young people across India. Stay tuned for more stories from first-generation students across India. Follow us on social media for more updates.