The prospect of a college degree can be daunting to many. Even more so for many that lack financial security or emotional support from friends or family. First-generation students can feel this as well with no experiences to refer to, like an older sibling or parent that have been through this situation. Although I personally have not been directly affected by these situations, I have worked with and around several students that were. The application of this blended autoethnographic and storytelling method is intended to produce a tool for those needing some advice, tips, and lessons they are not likely to gain in a classroom. We all learn from experiences, thankfully not always our own, and this is a collection of personal learned lessons that will possibly save the reader some struggle and lost time. Due to the dynamic pace of change in this area, many of the resources mentioned within will be obsolete at publication, however the concepts will remain valid. The steps taken to achieve this place should be sufficient to enable the reader to expand into the new horizons yet to come. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]