The purpose of the qualitative exploratory study was to explore the perceptions of successful first-generation (FG) community college graduates to further understand their lived experiences. Community colleges are able to serve the general public yet achieve great status in helping FG students attain their degree. The specific problem was the high number of FG students who leave school and not earn a degree. Face-to-face semi structured interviews were conducted with eight FG graduates to include field test, field notes, and use of NVivo10 software to determine themes and subthemes. Three themes emerged from the data analyses. Implications supported the need for more programs to integrate FG students by utilizing the college's property, personnel, and integration. Findings support Bandura's social cognitive theory, Goleman's emotional intelligence theory, and Tinto's model of attrition where FG students who had family and school staff support were able to persist in studies and earn their degree. Most important, the findings show community colleges are responsible for developing a plan to reach more FG students and then train all staff in areas to support them. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]