Reactions to Attending College as a First-Generation Hispanic Student: A Thematic Analysis
Maria Rubio Arteaga, Cassandra Jones
This project was presented at the Southeastern Psychological Association conference in Orlando in March 2024.
First-generation students are the first in the immediate family to attend college (Covarrubias & Fryberg, 2015). These students may experience difficulties in the new college environment. Family tends to be the biggest support system for Hispanic college students, as described by the term familismo (i.e., the strong role of family). Leaving their families for college can cause Hispanic students to experience academic difficulty and mental health challenges, especially if they are first-generation (Covarrubias et al., 2020). This can include difficulties in learning how to cope in a new setting and social problems on campus as an ethnic minority (Rodriguez et al., 2019). This may be why only 10% of Hispanic Americans graduate with a 4-year degree (Saunders & Serna, 2004). Colleges are seeing increasing rates of first-generation Hispanic students. By understanding their needs, institutions can provide resources that would allow such students to succeed. Therefore, the aim of the present analysis was to identify positive and negative reactions to attending college as experienced by first-generation Hispanic students.
Maria Rubio is a graduating psychology and Spanish double major from West Columbia. She served as a Presidential Ambassador, LINK peer leader, Animal Advocates co-president, psychology teaching assistant, Psi Chi Honor Society co-president, and Honors College Leadership Council executive chair. She interned for both the USC Enhancing Capacity in School Mental Health Program and the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. She received a number of scholarships and awards here at Lander. Maria also studied abroad in Madrid, Spain. After graduation, she will begin graduate school at USC to earn her master’s and specialist degrees for K-12 School Counseling.
Casey Jones is a graduating psychology major from Spartanburg. She served as an officer in the Honors College Leadership Council and the Animal Advocates Club, and as a Psychology 101 Supplemental Instructor. She also completed three HR internships at Purpose Financials and volunteered for the Greenwood Humane Society. Frequently appearing on the President's List, Casey also spent a semester abroad at the University of Winchester in England. She presented research at a regional conference and recently received the Outstanding Initiative in Experiential Learning in Psychology Award. Casey plans on a career in human resources.