Categories: Podcast Update

First Generation Programming Services

Welcome back First Gens, and Happy November! It’s hard to believe we only have two months left of 2024, but somehow here we are! As we begin the new month, so begins our newest theme for the month, Culture as a First Gen!

As always, I kick off the month by discussing how culture shapes first gens through language, traditions, music, food, and even pop culture. For first gens, culture is a big part of our lives and impacts us a lot more than we realize. One of the elements of culture I discuss in this episode is language. It can serve as a bridge, connecting first gens with family members who may not speak English and helping us serve our communities. However, for those who didn’t grow up speaking our family’s native language, this can also feel like a gap in connection to our heritage. It becomes toxic when we are judged for not knowing the language. It is important to recognize that this does not make us any less than.

Cultural identity and belonging also play a big role. A lot of us first gens might feel a sense of ease when we’re with others who share the same or similar backgrounds, but there can also be times of feeling isolated, especially in spaces that don’t fully embrace our cultural identity. Finding an inclusive community is key to feeling at home within our culture.

Culture as a First Gen

For a lot of us, culture also includes cherished family traditions, rituals, and celebrations. A holiday gathering, a birthday ritual, or New Year’s traditions may be powerful ways to connect across generations. Food also tends to be very important and a great way to connect. Cooking together, sharing meals, and celebrating with family recipes might provide meaningful moments and help keep those cultural ties.

But culture doesn’t come without any challenges. Growing up in a different environment than our family can create conflicting values and expectations. Sometimes we might find ourselves questioning which parts of our culture to keep and which to let go of as we try to figure out who we are and where we fit in. I talk a little bit about how a major part of her cultural journey has been challenging the stigma around mental health, aiming to build more awareness and acceptance within her family and her community.

This month, I will explore so much more about culture as it pertains to the first-gen experience. Make sure you come back every week this month to hear from other first gens about what culture means to them. As first gens, we know the importance that culture holds for us and it’s important we understand it better to build our communities and keep moving forward.

The First Gen Madrina

If you are a University, College, Company or Organization, The First Gen Madrina offers workshops on a variety of topics (such as imposter syndrome, time management, managing burnout, building a self-care plan, etc..), custom built mentorship programs as well as customized services tailored to the needs of the client.

Join Sara, The First Gen Madrina, for individual coaching and/or group coaching. The journey can often feel lonely but that does not mean that you are alone! Check out the Our Services tab on our website for more information! http://thefirstgenmadrina.com

In order to follow along, remember to rate, review, and subscribe to The First Gen Madrina Podcast to stay connected. Also, follow on instagram and LinkedIn @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW. Sara acknowledges that the term first gen can be fluid, so The First Gen Madrina is committed to supporting all first gens! This isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about providing unwavering support that propels individuals to embrace life’s challenges and triumphs.

In conclusion, stay tuned to meet amazing first-generation guests for the podcast, endless topics related to the first-gen experience and transformational coaching! Sara is your go to Madrina for all things first gen!

¡Hasta pronto!

Sara, The First Gen Madrina