I chose this project because as a first-generation college student, I want to explore students' own understanding of what determines their ability to navigate certain barriers towards college success. I am also interested in the supports that students have when it comes to achieving their educational goals. As a future educator, this research project will enhance my own understanding of the barriers and supports students are likely to come to school with. I hope that I can apply the insights gained from this project and the deeper understanding of the barriers faced by Latino students to become a more effective teacher and mentor so that I can best engage my own students, provide the positive supports they need, and prepare them for success in postsecondary education. My expected outcome from this project is an academic research paper and to submit the information gathered to an undergraduate research journal. My findings may also inform practices and policies that lead to student success. As of now, students have cited finances, work and family responsibilities, lack of academic preparation, misunderstanding expectations, time management and international student status as barriers. On the other hand, students cite peer support, faculty mentorship, family encouragement, and on-campus programs such as work study or extracurriculars as sources of support.
I am doing a mixed-methods project which consists of both in-person interviews and an online anonymous survey using Qualtrics. I am interested in exploring the role of employment, finances, family, peer effects, and institutional supports or barriers. I am currently working on sending the survey out to students at UTRGV. In-person interview respondents are recruited in person by providing them with information about my project. I plan to conduct at least 20 interviews with undergraduate students currently enrolled at the university. Interview questions will be open-ended to probe students’ college experiences, as well as any family or peer influences on their educational path. Interview data will be recorded, transcribed and open-coded to reveal recurring themes in students’ college experiences. Lastly, I review the coding to determine whether there are patterns, similarities, and differences in my respondents’ experiences. It is worth noting that I presented this project at the Engaged Scholar Symposium at UTRGV and also at the Southern Sociological Society annual conference in New Orleans, LA.
Senior, Spanish Education And Sociology Major