First Generation Programming Services
Welcome back, First Gens, and happy July! With the start of a new month comes a new theme and this month’s will be….. Taking Risks as a First Gen! For me, stepping outside of my comfort zone despite the fear, guilt, and uncertainty has completely changed my life. I hope this week’s episode inspires you to take that leap and make that change you’ve been holding off on.
As first gens, we’re taught to prioritize stability. We’re encouraged to pick the safe job, stick to the plan, and avoid rocking the boat. For my family, I have realized, this mindset came from fleeing Cuba and rebuilding everything from scratch. Risk was something they wanted to avoid, not embrace. I ultimately realized that playing it safe didn’t mean I was playing it right. It turns out I was surviving and not thriving. And that’s when my mindset began to change.
The first big risk I took was moving away from home. I have shared that leaving New Jersey for Florida wasn’t just a change of scenery, it was a big step towards my growth. It meant leaving behind familiarity, support, and everything I knew to give myself that space to dream and grow freely.
Taking Risks as First Gen
Next, I made the leap to quit my 9-to-5 job, without a financial safety net, to pursue The First Gen Madrina full time. I have launched my LLC, hosted retreats and workshops, and created a mental health consulting firm. It was scary, but I had to trust the voice inside telling me that I was meant for more.
The third risk was and still is financial, something we may all be familiar with. I accumulated debt again while investing in my business, but this time I approached it differently. With knowledge and healing around my money trauma, I learned to trust myself to build, not just survive.
Here is something that I want you all to know. Taking risks isn’t easy. It triggers survival mode, guilt, and decision fatigue. But through therapy, self-reflection, and a lot of nervous system regulation, like deep breaths and long walks, I learned that healing my own money story doesn’t mean avoiding risk; it means making better, more aligned decisions.
If you’re feeling that pull towards your dream, I want you to know this: You don’t have to play it safe. You don’t have to do it alone. Your legacy can be one of thriving, not just surviving. This is your sign to take the leap. And if you need support, your Madrina is always here.
The First Gen Madrina/The Social Work 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!
