First Generation Programming Services
Welcome back, First Gens and happy May! With every new month comes a new theme here at The First Gen Madrina. For the month of May, I will be discussing something deeply personal and often unspoken in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Before listening to any episodes this month, remember that mental health is an extremely difficult conversation to have and hear about. It could be very triggering, especially for those that have not been able to process certain feelings or experiences. Use discretion when tuning into the season due to possible triggers.
Mental Health as a First Gen
As I dive in for the start of this month’s theme, I want to acknowledge that the world feels heavy right now. Between political chaos, economic pressure, and systemic injustice, it’s no wonder so many of us are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. As first gens, we don’t just carry that, we carry the hopes of our families, the responsibility to succeed, and the burden of being the “first.” It’s a lot. Sometimes, it gets to be too much.
Additionally, mental health isn’t just a personal topic. It’s a community issue. It’s cultural, and it’s political. Taking care of ourselves in systems that weren’t built for us is a radical act. Saying, “I need help” is powerful. Seeking therapy, taking a break, feeling our feelings, none of that makes us weak. It makes us human.
We’ve been taught to survive, not always to feel. Many of us were never given the tools to name our emotions, let alone process them. When we begin to understand things like anxiety, depression, or trauma, we take back our power. We start healing. Healing doesn’t mean turning your back on your culture, it means evolving it. You can honor your roots while also setting boundaries. You can go to therapy and still pray, dance, or enjoy your culture.
This month, I want to remind you to be kind to yourself. Check in with yourself and your loved ones. Speak up against stigma. Rest. Unplug. Cry if you need to. You deserve peace, rest, and joy, not just survival. Remember, you will always have your Madrina in your corner.
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 your needs.
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.
Also, in case you have missed it, I recently announced a new branch of The First Gen Madrina called The Social Work Madrina. The Social Work Madrina will bring intentional support to social workers and more programming on mental health. Within TSWM, you will find The Madrina Network: A Community for Social Workers!
Our community deserves more support, guidance and resources.
Soooooo are you ready? Here are some highlights of the community!
Monthly zoom calls to discuss the successes, challenges and needs of the social work community.
Opportunity to network with fellow social workers from all over the U.S!
Monthly workshops with different social work-related themes.
Optional coaching time with me for additional support!
Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks for more information! Check out thefirstgenmadrina.com/themadrinanetwork for more information soon!
¡Hasta pronto!
