Faces of First-Gen: Jigyasa Soni

Jigyasa Soni, a final-year MBA student at Oakland University specializing in business analytics and entrepreneurship, is no stranger to overcoming challenges. Coming from a small town in India, where higher education — especially for women — is not always encouraged, her journey is a testament to resilience, ambition and breaking barriers.

Soni’s academic path began in India, where she earned a gold medal for academic excellence in interior design and an international award for experiential space design. These awards, along with her curiosity and drive for further education, led her to explore business analytics and strategy. The decision to move to the U.S. for an MBA was a bold leap of faith, but one fueled by her passion for continuous learning and making an impact.

Coming from a family where pursuing higher education was not the norm, Soni had to navigate college processes on her own. While her parents supported her and gave her the liberty to make her own choices, she admits that even with their encouragement, there were still moments of uncertainty and self-doubt.

Soni’s experience was further shaped by the unique challenges of being both a first-generation and international student. "Adapting to a new culture, managing finances and building a support system from scratch were all hurdles," she says. She admits that researching how to do simple things, like registering for classes, took up so much of her time. "If I had known someone who had been through this before, it would have saved me so much effort."

Soni initially attended Wayne State University before transferring to Oakland University, a decision she describes as life-changing. "I felt a sense of belonging here," she says. "OU provided me with the guidance I needed, not just as an international student but also as a first-gen student, by introducing me to resources like financial aid, the registrar’s office and academic advising."

Her orientation experience at OU played a pivotal role in her decision to stay. "At that moment, I was unsure about continuing my education," she says, "but someone told me, 'Not all experiences are the same. Give it a chance.' That one statement motivated me, and I’ve never looked back since."

For Soni, being a first-generation student is about more than just personal success; "It’s about setting an example for those who come after me," she says. "It’s OK to be the first one to bring change."

She emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship. "Finding a mentor is difficult, but it makes all the difference," Soni says. "I was lucky to work at the registrar’s office, where I had people guiding me. But many first-gen students don’t have that support, and they need structured mentorship programs."

Soni wants other first-gen students to know they are not alone. "You belong here," she says. "Yes, it will be overwhelming, and you might feel like giving up. Seek out mentors, ask questions and take your time to digest all the information." She also encourages students to celebrate small victories.

As Soni prepares to graduate, she hopes her story of perseverance and self-assurance will inspire others to break barriers and embrace their own paths.