Blazing a Trail to First Generation Success

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 36-47
Author(s):  
Jehangir Pheroze Bharucha
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
First Generation College Students ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Cultural Transition ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cultural Challenges ◽  
First Generation College

While higher education is rich in diversity and rewards, it can be particularly arduous for first-generation college students. This paper reports the results of a qualitative research study investigating the college experiences, identity development, and issues faced by this student subpopulation that moved from sixth-form and completed the undergraduate programme at a midsized public university in Peninsular Malaysia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. These students have faced and managed to overcome a host of academic, socio-economic, emotional, and cultural challenges. The parents' low socio-economic status is the biggest barrier to the academic success of these students. They viewed their status as a source of strength. The biggest cultural transition faced by the participants involved bringing their student identity home. It is hoped that the results of this study will offer some fresh perspectives into the continuing discussion on first generation students.

scholarly journals Decoding the Hidden Curriculum: Latino/a First Generation College Students’ Influence on Younger Siblings’ Educational Trajectory

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Delgado
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Research University ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Past Research ◽  
First Generation College Students ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
First Generation College ◽  
Older Siblings

Past research demonstrates that familial and community support can aid the academic success of Latino/a students. However, few studies explore how older siblings influence their younger siblings’ education trajectory including primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. Drawing on 25 in-depth interviews with Latino/a first generation college students at a large research university in Southern California, I find that older siblings assist their younger family members by (a) choosing schools, (b) assisting with reading comprehension, (c) helping with homework assignments, and (d) post high school preparation. In doing do, they demystify norms and rules about education and attempt to position their loved ones on a path of upward mobility. I capture the labor Latino/a children of immigrants provide to their families and how these contributions can result in tensions between parents and children. Findings advance frameworks in immigrant brokering, Latino/a families, and education.

scholarly journals Transitioning to College: Experiences of Successful First-Generation College Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan R Ricks ◽  
Jeffrey M Warren
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
First Generation ◽  
The United States ◽  
First Generation College Students ◽  
College Seniors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Transition Experience ◽  
First Generation College ◽  
Generic Qualitative ◽  
High School To College

This qualitative study explored the high school to college transition experiences of ten successful first-generation college students (FGCS). Participants were college seniors at an historically black university in the United States. A generic qualitative research design was used, including in-depth, semi-structured interviews to collect and analyze data. Participants reported that the transition experience led to confusion with academic and financial procedures, various emotions including anxiety and fear, the realization that they had deficits in academic skills, and the receipt of support from family members and others. Cultural and social capital appeared to play key roles in their success. Student affairs professionals are encouraged to explore targeted, individualized strategies that meet the needs of FGCS as they transition to college.

scholarly journals First Generation College Students’ Perceptions of an Academic Retention Program

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Schelbe ◽  
Martin Swanbrow Becker ◽  
Carmella Spinelli ◽  
Denesha McCray
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
First Generation ◽  
First Generation College Students ◽  
Team Members ◽  
First Generation College ◽  
Academic Retention ◽  
Program Components

This qualitative study examines the perceptions of students enrolled in a campus-based program designed to promote academic success and retention of first generation college students. Method: Twenty-five undergraduate students in the program participated in focus groups and interviews to share their perceptions and experiences. Research team members conducted a thematic analysis on the focus groups and interviews transcripts. Findings: Students reported program components that contributed to their academic success and retention including support, expectations, resources, and preparation. Students also described concerns about how students’ needs changed over time and how students in the program were perceived on campus.

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