By Adriana Betancourt
Meet Brian Rios, a finance undergraduate student pursuing his bachelor’s degree in finance. Rios is actively involved on campus through the Hispanic Business Student Association and Adela de la Torre Latino Honors Society, where he continues to grow as both a leader and a learner.
As a first-generation college student, Rios’ journey has been defined by perseverance, purpose and a strong sense of responsibility for his family. His story reflects the strength of first-generation students at NIU and the impact they are creating across campus.
Q: What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?
A: Being a first-generation college student represents the culmination of all the hard work and dedication my parents put into raising me and my siblings. It means having the opportunity to build a better future for myself while making my family proud. It also means being able to give back to them in the future and show my appreciation for their tireless support.
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue higher education?
A: My parents are the ones who inspired me to pursue higher education. Growing up, they always emphasized the value of education and how it could open doors that wouldn’t be available if I entered the workforce right away. Coming from a humble, blue-collar background, they wanted me to have something better — a career that offered stability and opportunity, where I could grow professionally without relying on physically demanding labor.
Q: How did you choose your major or career path?
A: I chose finance because I was interested in economics and was beginning to understand the basics of how the economy works. Around the same time, in 2022, the stock market experienced a downturn, and many of my friends were paying attention to it, which sparked my interest even more. Job security was also a major factor for me, and all of those factors together led me to major in finance.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a first-gen student, and how did you overcome them?
A: One challenge I’ve faced as a first-gen student is not having anyone in my family to turn to for questions or guidance, since I’m the first to go through this experience. Instead, I’ve relied on online resources, forums and other students’ experiences to help me navigate college life and find the answers I need.
Q: What’s something you’ve learned about yourself through your college journey?
A: One thing I’ve learned about myself throughout my college journey is that I’m much more capable than I initially thought. Being a first-gen student meant figuring out a lot on my own, but it also showed me that I can adapt, problem-solve and push through challenges even when the path isn’t clear.
Q: Has anyone at NIU (faculty, staff or friends) made a big impact on your experience?
A: One person who has made a big impact on my experience is Professor Matthew Benning. He genuinely makes an effort to connect with his finance students, and the career prep courses he teaches are incredibly valuable. His classes are also fun and engaging, which makes a big difference.
Q: What advice would you give to other first-generation students starting their college journey?
A: One piece of advice I’d give to first-gen students is to not be afraid to put yourself out there. Making friends and joining student organizations can drastically improve your college experience. I’d also recommend staying on top of your homework — not only does it help you learn the material, but it also makes up a significant portion of your grade.
