Santa Clara University

This project presents the stories of 11 students at Santa Clara University who are first generation college students. The student authors talk about their family histories as well as their application and adjustment to college. They provide us with a look at what brings some students to college and how they feel once they arrive. As you will see from the chapters, being a first generation college student is only a small part of each author's identity. Among other factors, their histories and experiences are also greatly affected by their race, ethnicity, and social class. The diversity between and similarities among each author's story provides an opportunity for us to think about the various circumstances under which students attend and adapt to life at this university.

Click here for the rest of Professor Laura Nichol's introduction or scroll down below for a list of the stories.

1. Graduation: Saying Our Goodbyes by Adela Ardelean
2. Escaping My Country by Nhu-Y Le
3. Why College? by Jeannine Marie Torres

1. Moving and Learning by Clara Chu
2. No Hay Mal Que Por Bien No Venga by Patricia D. Castorena
3. Two Perspectives: Year One and Year Four
4. • Year One: Learning What it Means to Be Me by Vanessa Vallejo
   • Year Four: I Am Done! by Elizabeth G. Barron

1. Dual Identities by William Huerta
2. The Paths We Choose by Naomi Arana
3. My Family and the Roots of Strength by Rosanna Alvarez
4. To Be the Only by Phil Johnson

click here for brief information on the student authors.