How will this scholarship impact me? The better question is: How have I impacted this scholarship? Virginia Commonwealth University has awarded me an education that leaps off the page into reality. I am building an exceptional academic career that blends theory and experience. While at VCU, I have mentored both high school and college students, participated in the formation of Virginia public policy, and assisted in research labs that inspired me to create my own study. These experiences taught me what it means to aspire to academic excellence.
As a Psychology and African American Studies student, I plan to utilize both disciplines in a Counseling Psychology graduate program, and research stereotypes, racial bias, and psychological implications of structural racism on the Black Diaspora. This knowledge will be useful to me as both a psychologist and researcher for non-governmental organizations advocating for racial equality. My education at VCU has offered me priceless experiential opportunities that assist me in building my experience and help me fulfill my goals.
As a first generation college student, applying to college brought up both feelings of excitement and intimidation. I was lucky to find a mentor to guide me as I wrote essays, filled out financial aid applications, and took
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This experience inspired me to create my own research study on minority students’ participation in study abroad program. I am an African-American study abroad returnee, and both in my preparation and participation in study abroad, I noticed a lack of diversity. This inspired me to examine factors that contribute to one being able to study abroad as well as what hinders one from being able to study abroad. The results will help me in my efforts to effectively promote study abroad programs to students of color and increase participation within the next academic
The documentary, First Generation, follows four first generation college students who try and balance the hardships of working, sports, being part of a lower socioeconomic status and handling the challenges of learning how to apply and cover the cost of hefty college tuitions. In this paper, I will discuss barriers that some students experienced, the benefits of attainting a college education as a first generation student and some of the challenges individuals faced once they were accepted into college.
Last summer I volunteered at a local hospital for a total of 136 hours. At the end of the summer I received an honorable mention award for being a dedicated volunteer who is highly respected around the hospital. Furthermore, I've been a committed volunteer during this school year. I have also been an active member of my school's HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) chapter; this March I will be competing in a medical terminology competition against members of other HOSA chapters across the state. Additionally, I am a devoted member of my school's academic decathlon team. Finally, I have been a member of CSF (California Scholarship Federation) for the past two years.
Everett pointed out the favorable circumstances provided by public community colleges which created access for first-generation students. She divided access into five categories: financial, geographic, programmatic, academic, and cultural/social/physical accessibility. She went on to elaborate the different ways in which these elements aided first-generation students in attending college. She concluded the article with a few challenges faced by first-generation students and the programs that were implemented to combat such challenges.
Over the years there has been a significant decrease in the percentage of African American male success in higher education. Not only does this effect society as a whole, but more importantly this effects the African- American community as well. The high percentage of uneducated African- American males will result in increased crime rate, shortened life span and overall hard life. However this epidemic can be stopped by looking at the contributing factors of why there is a decrease in African-American male success in higher education and how to change it. Throughout the paper I will be addressing the issues as to why there are not more black men in higher education, by looking at the contributing factors such as environmental stressors, student’s perceptions, racial identity issues, academic and social integration, family upbringing and the media. The attrition rate of African- American male students could be changed and decreased drastically. Increasing our understanding of these differences would enable us to better meet the needs of young black men.
How does being the first in one’s family to graduate from college impact one’s desire to finish college? Some of the major barriers first generation college students face include lack of motivation, lack of support, and low income finances. Some freshman students might lack the motivation to do well in school because of the lack of appropriate role models or mentors in the academic environment. These difficulties can be tied to lack of support at home; the parents might not be concerned about their child's education, maybe the parent lacks the ability to guide them through college, the parent might not have the process of having not navigated it themselves. Parents might feel embarrassed that they don’t have any knowledge to help them through college.
Most first generation college students are significantly older than the average, approximately 24 year of age (Pascarella et. al 2004). The surrounding low-income environments that many of these students are raised around can explain this late age. This financial pressure can also explain another category of first generation students, preparation (Chen & Carroll, 2005). These students are often less prepared to enter the college life. They have not been exposed to the necessary preparation needed to succeed on college admissions tests and furthermore don’t meet the performance requirements that universities and institutions require. Analyzing the prefaces that surround the environment of first generation college students aids in understanding current problems faced in college as well as assist in proposing solutions for this subset of
The demographic underrepresentation of African American students promotes inferiority of the minority races, which creates a segregated environment. Elizabeth Smith article Racism: It Is Always There, examines the failure of American society to reconcile with the issues of racism and the effects on the American society. Smith defines institutional racism as “fueled by a reluctance to change what per...
In my opinion, colleges should recognize that being a first –generation student and seeking for help is not easy. They have hard challenges to overcome and may choose to remain invisible to not cause disturb. Many of them arrive with low income difficulties and lack of education which makes them an easy target to discriminate. First generation college students
Minorities are a growing segment of the population. However, this group continues to be underrepresented in the area of post secondary education. Obtaining an advanced degree remains a likely predictor of future career success. The problem facing the minority student is that barriers persist which continue to hinder enrollment, retention, and graduation rates in institutions of higher education. These barriers must be identified and examined and solutions offered if college completion rates are to be increased for this population.
As a student that is currently seeking a career in the medical professions, I have had to routinely contemplate my reasons for pursuing such an extensive education program in a field that is constantly demanding excessive time and effort. I know of students—many friends and acquaintances of mine included—that have the most sure-fire, inspirational stories that align with their desire to become doctors, surgeons, physician assistants, etc. They always seemed to have a story that emphasized their desire to “give back” what they have received from the medical community. Because of that, ever since the beginning of high school, I have been trying to find an extraordinary reason, a purpose for my medical pursuits. Perhaps I could justify my passion for
Scholarship, leadership, character, and service are four attributes that define an excellent student. Being in high school, it’s difficult at times to be a leader, show your character, and be involved with voluntary services while being focused on scholarship, but I have managed to do all four numerous times. I am so grateful and excited to have the chance to be a part of the National Honors Society.
So what can other first generation college students do to avoid what has happened to Sarah? The answer lies in directing a passion towards learning and education in students and their families that will build self-motivation and avoid the negative predispositions of being the first in the family to attend college. While Sarah has not been attending the University of Miami for too long, her experiences thus far have given her a very good understanding of her position in this academic community, and nevertheless, gives a representation of first-year, first-generation college students. Sarah is only one person though and may not be fully representative of the population of first generation college students, but as a member of this community, Sarah’s input is essential to the ideas and views of the students in this group.
College Education is of the utmost importance to me especially when competing with people in my age group. A college education is also one of the most costly obligations that one must do to gain success. In my academic career, I have gain many experiences that I may not have been able to experience had I not attended a post-secondary education. A college education has never been an option for me it was always instilled in my brain as an adolescent as a top priority. In my youth I was certain of my goals and aspirations, the person that I wanted to become and where I see myself in the future. Some people in my same age group with similar upbringing as mine had ne focus. Their prerogative was to acquire money in any way that they knew how. Their options including, dealing drugs or for women prostitution and or becoming a hair stylist. I was adamant that in my profession a college education was not only necessary as a requirement to obtain a law license but also there were no exit strategies. To elucidate I am speaking of secondary options such as a technical school. My peers often believed that my choice would change and I was just hoping that their state of minds too would alter. My dreams of becoming a lawyer was slowly approaching as I reached the age of 18. High school teachers of mine often attempted to sway me into a different direction since I was not as outspoken as my fellow classmates. However, I would inform them just as I have revealed to others that my dream is everlasting and my path is clear. I will become a lawyer and today examining the course of my short academic years—spending only 17 years in school beginning with Head Start- I would be the attorney I have always wanted to be. Life has not always been daisies wi...
Additionally, prestigious institutions need to take initiative to create new programs that will make college a painless transition for first generation students by implementing new policies such as mentorship or clubs. While many colleges and universities have not taken the initiative to help first-generation students, North Carolina State University is one of the few exceptions. As a fellow first generation college student at North Carolina State University, I have reaped many benefits from the different organizations they have around campus. At the Poole College of Management, I was assigned a professional mentor in my future line of work that made the transition into college a better experience for me. After listening to his forums, I was able to use the skills I had learnt from my parents and apply them to college and my study habits, benefiting me in countless ways.
College success has become a most desirable goal. However, many students struggle through college. In fact, according to the Website Ask.com, approximately 15 percent of college students receive a degree. Because I’m willing to earn a degree like many other successful students, I find that college is the stepping stone to my dream goals. I know that college is difficult, but I realize that attaining my dream of a college education will require me to understand the benefits of what I’m learning, to prepare for obstacles, to seek advice, and to create effective and reasonable strategies will help me achieve my goals.