| This study explored the college experiences of first-generation Latino/a college students by looking at the factors that influence their overall college experience. Upon reviewing the literature, some factors emerged that directly or indirectly have the power to influence the college experiences of Latino/a college students. This dissertation used a case study approach to better understand the experiences of the participants. There were three participants, two from a community college and one from a state university. The participants agreed to take part in a personal interview and a focus group. The data were coded and the major themes emerged as factors that had a positive or negative effect of overall college experience. The major factors included: college attendance, preparedness for college careers, academic standards, first-generation Latino/a factor, family, social influences affecting Latino/a college students, discrimination, immigration status, perception of self, overall college experience, and motivating future first-generation college students. This was a small study and it should not be used to generalize the overall experiences of all first-generation Latino/a students. However, it serves as a call to action for institutions to provide adequate support for these students to help them remain enrolled in college and graduate. |
