The First Ones: Three Studies on First-Generation College Students

The findings from 3 qualitative research studies related to first-generation college students show themes of strains in family relationships and lack of practical familial support. One study reveals sources of resiliency and persistence of graduate students; another explores sense of belonging for undergraduates attending 3 types of private institutions; the final study features concerns of Latinos at a 2-year college. Together these studies show that creation of a student identity creates unique challenges for those transitioning into bicultural persons. Advisors who understand students coping with changing family status while attending college can proactively guide them toward the degrees they seek. Furthermore, administrators should provide programs and professional development that help advisors address the complex issues facing first-generation students.

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The Perspectives of Two First-Generation College Students Pursuing Doctoral Degrees in Music Education

Journal of Music Teacher Education ◽

10.1177/1057083717717464 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 67-81

Author(s):

Martina Vasil ◽

Joyce M. McCall

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Music Education ◽

Teacher Educators ◽

First Generation ◽

First Generation College Students ◽

Doctoral Degrees ◽

Advanced Degree ◽

Cultural Wealth ◽

Familial Support ◽

First Generation College

The purpose of this autoethnographic multiple case study was to compare experiences of two first-generation college students pursuing doctoral degrees in music education. Motivations for pursuing an advanced degree were to enact change in the field of music education and fulfill personal ambitions. Participants encountered two challenges, insufficient cognitive maps and inadequate familial support, which contributed to financial difficulties and health issues. Support networks inside and outside of their music education doctoral programs facilitated degree attainment. Participants lacked the cultural capital needed to navigate higher education because of their first-generation status. Instead, participants employed several forms of community cultural wealth: social, navigational, resistant, and familial capital. Through examining each other’s experiences, we offer suggestions for preparing and supporting a more diverse group of future music teacher educators.

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Family relationships and college adjustment of first-generation college students

10.31274/rtd-180813-11370 ◽

2005 ◽

Author(s):

Deborah Ann Baker DeWall

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Family Relationships ◽

College Adjustment ◽

First Generation ◽

First Generation College Students ◽

First Generation College

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Resilience Through Family: Family Support as an Academic and Psychological Protective Resource for Mexican Descent First-Generation College Students

Journal of Hispanic Higher Education ◽

10.1177/1538192720987103 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 153819272098710

Author(s):

Amber Jimenez ◽

Brandy Piña-Watson ◽

Gabriela Manzo

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Family Support ◽

First Generation ◽

College Persistence ◽

The United States ◽

First Generation College Students ◽

Mexican Descent ◽

Familial Support ◽

First Generation College

The present study examines the potential protective effect of familial support among first-gen Mexican descent college students regarding GPA, college persistence, and depressive symptoms. Participants included 487 Mexican descent college students from across the United States (66.7% first-gen). Results indicated that being a first-gen student was not related to the outcomes; however, family support was related to better academic and psychological outcomes (lower depressive symptoms and higher college persistence) regardless of generation status.

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