| Using a qualitative approach, this study investigated the educational experiences and identity politics of Nuevomexicano scholars, operationally defined as Hispanics from rural northern New Mexico with advanced academic degrees. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a pool of ten research participants from the mountain villages of northern New Mexico who graduated from high school between 1991--2000 and who had completed (or were in the process of completing) terminal academic and professional degrees. Research questions were developed to explore perceived factors and strategies for academic success, participants' support networks and meaningful relationships, as well as issues of identity and connection to community. The findings were developed through analysis of data collected from interviews, journals, and discourse analysis.Perceived factors for academic success among Nuevomexicano scholars were: parental and family influences, early expectations of educational success, participation in extracurricular activities, faith and spirituality, and strong work ethic. Major findings regarding what constituted strategies for academic success for Nuevomexicano scholars included: identifying strengths and weaknesses, accepting personal responsibility, being resourceful, dealing with adversity, understanding the concept of delayed gratification, and developing an aversion to pity.This study also explored resources for Nuevomexicano scholars as well as the way participants established and maintained networks and relationships. Relevant to formal mentoring, findings included the role of institutional agents such as teachers, counselors, professors, and individuals within specific professions. Informal mentoring from friends and relatives also emerged as a theme regarding networks of support and trustworthiness was a major theme related to how Nuevomexicano scholars identified and accessed mentors.Intangible benefits of supportive relationships and networks included: sense of belonging sense of possibility and increased awareness about processes, resources, and opportunities (thematically categorized as exposure). Tangible benefits were: connections to broader networks, and appreciable opportunities such as job placement and scholarships.Finally, this study examined emergent themes regarding participants' identities and connection to community. Major findings included scholars' self-identification with a Nuevomexicano identity, issues surrounding their rural upbringing, social acceptance/alienation experienced by Nuevomexicano scholars related to their academic success, and integration to new communities. |
