And suddenly, I can't shift into first with my '97 Saturn SL2.

[NYC_SKP]

4. Typically, we go into first gear only when we are at a full stop, from neutral.

If it was the clutch, there would be a grind because the the clutch is not disengaging from the transmission input shaft, that's an out of adjustment clutch. The other type of clutch failure is a slipping and/or burnt clutch and that means the engine will rev while the car doesn't get all the power.

So I don't think it's your clutch. Try testing how hard it is to shift through the gears with the clutch pedal depressed and the engine off.

If this is still hard then I suspect bad bushing, need to adjust the shift linkages. It might be cured by replacing the shifter, it's worth investigating before making a commitment to do something more expensive and extreme.

I looked around, try the youtube DIY vids"