First Voices: Owning your story and redefining success
From navigating imposter syndrome and finding their voice in the classroom to balancing financial realities with academic demands, first-generation MBA students face unique challenges.
This series spotlights their journeys, showing how personal resilience, peer connection and mentorship — among other forms of support — act as powerful sources of strength and encouragement. These students embody what redefining success on their own terms looks like and are intentionally shaping the future of business.
In this installment, meet Alex Pendergrass ’25 MBA who will be joining Mattel as an associate brand marketing manager after graduating from Kellogg. Here, she shares five powerful lessons to help MBA students thrive academically, socially and financially at Kellogg.
By Alex Pendergrass
Stepping into Kellogg as a first-generation MBA student is nothing short of powerful. You’re not just starting business school — you’re stepping into a community filled with world-class professors, innovative career programming and brilliant peers who will help shape your journey in ways you never imagined.
But no one tells you this: you belong here just as much as anyone else. And the support you need is already around you — you just have to tap in. Here are a few first-gen tips I wish someone had handed me on day one:
1. Cure imposter syndrome before it starts
Write down your why. Your value proposition. Tape it to your mirror if you need to. You didn’t sneak in — you were chosen to be here. Your lived experience, grit and perspective are valuable. Owning your story is what makes you magnetic and memorable. When you lead with authenticity, you give others permission to do the same.
2. Make it your year of “Yes!”
Say yes to new experiences, even if they’re outside your comfort zone. Go to the cultural immersion dinner, join that club meeting or grab coffee with someone who has a completely different background than yours. Growth lives in curiosity. Your next mentor, career lead or lifelong friend might be one bold "yes" away.
3. Money matters — let’s talk about it
Finances are real, and you're not alone. Talk to the First-Gen Association, student life or even club leaders about budget-friendly events or possible financial waivers. There’s no shame in asking; there is strength in advocating for what you need.
4. Find your people and use your resources
Define what you need to thrive — maybe it’s a therapist, a study group, a career coach or a mentor — then go get it. Kellogg has a sea of resources waiting for you from Career Management Center, Kellogg Alumni Mentorship Program and Career Peers. Own your success by making the first move.
*Pro tip: Set 1-2 social, personal and professional goals each quarter. You don’t have to do everything, but don’t miss out on the things that light you up.
5. Success isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s a living, breathing definition that evolves with you.
As a first-generation MBA student, you’ve already broken barriers just by stepping into Kellogg. Now, you get to rewrite the rules. These next two years are your playground for discovery — whether that means launching a search fund, landing your dream marketing role or becoming a changemaker in the social impact space. Your version of success might be sending support back home, achieving financial freedom or finally taking a bet on yourself to pursue a path you love.
There is no single script. The beauty of being first-generation is that you get to define what “winning” looks like every day — and change it as needed. So, pause. Breathe. Reflect. And keep choosing a version of success that feels right for you. You’ve earned this moment, and the journey ahead is yours to own.
Read next: First Voices: Building confidence and finding home