Narrative inquiry was used to trace the educational journeys of 11 first-generation university students from rural areas of Colorado in an effort to identify the experiences, beliefs, and people that impacted their decision to attend a 4-year institution. Students were asked to convey their experiences growing up within the contexts of their family, social circle, schools, and rural communities identifying seminal experiences and people. Although each path was very unique, several common themes emerged across narratives. The importance of self-determination, parent encouragement, a social circle that shared the value of education, and the common goal of college attainment were noted. Precollegiate programs and the development of a high school mentor were deemed pivotal by participants in navigating the college admission process. Participants also noted a sense of connectedness in their rural communities that they sought to replace in their college community by selecting a smaller college with an atmosphere of approachability and friendliness. In tracing the path of these rural first-generation students, this study offered up the elements that could be used to forge a path to college for future first-generation students from rural areas. [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/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]