Recognizing her full potential
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Katrina Jensen has learned that sometimes the biggest obstacle in pursuing an opportunity can be believing you’re not qualified for it.
“My experience as a first-gen student has shown me how resilient and resourceful I am, and also that I consistently underestimate myself,” she says.
A fourth-year student from Little Canada, Minnesota, Jensen is pursuing dual degrees in psychology and political science.
The University's President's Emerging Scholars Program has connected her with scholarships, employment and professional development opportunities. Three of her jobs are with the program.
She also credits the TRIO McNair program with introducing her to research and helping her prepare for graduate school applications. Through the First-Generation Student Success Center, she has served as both a mentor and a mentee.
Those experiences have helped Jensen see a future she might not otherwise have considered. She is applying to PhD programs in political science and wants to pursue a research career in government or academics.
“In full honesty, I would’ve never considered that these were both options for me if it weren’t for participating in TRIO McNair,” she says.
Jensen also sees her education as a way to create opportunities for the next generation of her family, including her nieces.
“Being a first-gen student means I’m creating a path for the rest of my family to pursue higher education, and that I’m setting an example for my nieces if they choose to go to college,” she says.
She encourages other students to apply for opportunities even when self-doubt makes success seem unlikely.
“I’ve gotten so many incredible opportunities that imposter syndrome led me to believe I wouldn’t get,” Jensen says.
Her advice is to reach out for support and remember that students don’t have to navigate college alone.
“You are not alone,” Jensen says. “There are so many people in this institution that want to help you and see you succeed.”
Explore more stories in the series
First-generation students find community and support at the University of Minnesota
Explore more stories in the series
First-generation students find community and support at the University of Minnesota
