First-generation college students, graduate school, and social support

This thesis examines the stresses of graduate school that lead to burnout and the ways in which first-generation college students who attend graduate school seek social support to mitigate these stresses. Six ethnographic interviews of first-generation college students enrolled in master's degree programs were conducted. Of the 6, 3 were men and 3 were women 4 were from the social sciences, 1 was from science, and 1 was from engineering. 3 were graduate teaching associates and 3 were not. The interviews revealed that these 6 students projected self-sufficiency, sometimes at the cost of needed social support. They stressed time management as a cause of frustration. Family members were sometimes approached for emotional support, but other graduate students served as a prime social support network. Suggestions are given for universities, departments, and students to improve access to social support.