Skip to content
Apply
Stories

First-gen low-income Northeastern students experience unseen struggles

People in this story

Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

The Huntington News, February 2023

Cynthia Barrera, a second-year criminal justice and political science combined major, has a packed schedule for a Northeastern University student: she’s balancing four classes while working 10-15 hours a week as a peer mentor, a teaching assistant and a receptionist at an office on campus. “There comes a struggle with learning how to balance my work life and my school life. And a lot of professors aren’t always the most understanding when it comes to you having to balance life outside of Northeastern that isn’t solely just student life,” Barrera said.

Barrera is a first-generation, low-income student who needs to contribute to her tuition bills to attend Northeastern.

“We’re trying to earn money and live on our own,” she said.

Continue reading at The Huntington News.

More Stories

10/20/26 - BOSTON, MA. - Kayla Ruggiero, who studies Political science and international affairs, works on a laptop inside the EXP building on Oct. 20, 2026. Ruggiero recently completed a co-op at the Scottish Parliament. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

How hairy Highland cows led this Northeastern student to the frontlines of Scottish politics

10.21.2026

Need spiritual guidance? Gurus join chatbot trend as people turn to AI for answers

10.21.2026
A woman in a calm space plays crystal and metal sound bowls surrounded by candles and lights, symbolizing feminine energy, relaxation, mindfulness, and healing meditation at a retreat.

Students and NGN take a sound bath for Mental Health Week

10.22.26
Northeastern Global News