title: Achieving a college education: The psychological experiences of Latina/o community college students.
abstract: This study examines the psychological and subjective experiences of Latina/o community college students. The impact of these experiences on their persistence toward achieving their education goals is also examined. Qualitative interviews with 15 community college students yielded eight themes: Overcoming personal and social challenges, maturation, self-discovery and college adjustment, self-efficacy, continuously strategizing, sense of purpose, perception of faculty, perception of advisors, and guided and groomed by family to succeed. Implications for practice and recommendations for community colleges are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Governors State University, University Park, IL, Department of Social Work (708) 235-2235.
authors.forename: Maristela C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Zell