Abstract
The focus of this study is to examine 1) how first generation Latino/a students are able to achieve academically and obtain a college degree and how they overcame the challenges they faced. It will look at 2) in what ways cultural norms and/or expectations can impact the levels of parental involvement, 3) how society defines and challenges first generation Latinos/as experience during their undergraduate years at a four-year university. This study will discuss the importance of understanding college requirements and terms, as well as how to navigate the college preparation process, and the support systems that helped the students overcome them. This study will document how low-income or minority parents’ knowledge of college-related issues and navigation processes influence the rates at which their students apply to and enroll at four-year universities and complete their college degree at a four year university. Lastly, this paper will look at the impact that a parent’s level of education and SES may have on historically disadvantaged student’s desire to consider or actually pursue post-secondary education. It seeks to uncover factors that motivate or hinder Latino/a students’ desire to attend and graduate from a four-year university. Specifically the research seeks to address the following questions: 1. What were the challenges faced by first generation Latino/a students while going to a four-year university? 2. What were Latino/a students’ families’ expectations and/or support while attending a four-year college? 3. What were the difficulties that Latino/a students faced with their parents cultural, level of education and SES? 4. How were they able to overcome these challenges while attending college? This was a qualitative study which was concluded on six first-generation Latino/a students who successfully graduated from California State University, Sacramento. The researcher analyzed the collected data in order to determine the common themes and experiences that the six Latino/a participants experienced in college. All of the interviews were conducted in a public place that was convenient for the participants. This study concluded that the six Latino/a students who successfully graduated from California State University, Sacramento, shared certain characteristics and experiences. They experienced obstacles and challenges in knowledge of higher education, financial support, parental awareness on higher education and academic support in college; which, appeared to be key to their academic success. Five out of the six participants were involved in a fraternity or sorority, which helped them academically throughout college. All participants worked throughout college since some did not receive financial aid or their parents were not able to help them financially. Being a first generation Latino/a student in higher education was difficult in college, but they were all able to overcome these obstacles by graduating.