"They were often the first students in their family to go to college and the very idea of higher education was still foreign to them. They had to make a conscious and often difficult decision to come to college"

This quote talks to the experience of first-generation university student. These trainees are typically the very first in their household to pursue college, and the idea of college is still unfamiliar to them. This implies that they have to make a conscious and typically hard choice to attend college, as they are unfamiliar with the process and the expectations. This choice is not ignored, as it is a significant life modification and a huge dedication. It is a brave and courageous decision to make, and these trainees ought to be applauded for their courage and determination. They are paving the way for future generations and setting an example of what is possible.