My parents, like many others, immigrated to this country in search of a better life. They were ultimately investing in my future success by doing so. I was raised with strong family and cultural values that I carry with me to this day. Over the years, they taught me the importance of sacrifice, hard work
As a first-generation college student, I was unaware of the process and all the implications of attending a university. Financial aid, the application process, room
Looking back at my college career, I strongly believe institutions should do more to engage Latino parents. Many campuses are not allocating enough time and resources to address the issue. Most universities provide brochures or pamphlets of broad campus information during
There are many articles, research
1. Touring parents through the college campus.
Walking them through the campus so they have an idea and understanding of what your day looks like, where your classes are located, the library, the dining hall, etc. This will give them a visual understanding of what the campus offers and allow them to feel more connected. I am positive many questions will arise throughout the duration of the college visit
2. Setting up a meeting with an advisor.
Advisors are on-campus to ensure that students meet all graduation requirements and assist with any career plans. They are a great resource to first-generation students who may be unsure o how to navigate the system. When my parents met with a student advisor, they were able to address all academic concerns and have more insight
3. Having an open dialogue conversation.
This can be about the student’s career aspirations, ideas, academic goals, etc. When students are open and honest about their interests, this will increase parents confidence in their knowledge and awareness. Simply pushing the topic aside or keeping a conversation very high-level does not correlate with parental engagement.
The phrase “parental involvement in education” encompasses their participation beyond academics. Furthermore, this phrase is defined differently in every family. In my case, this meant awareness of which direction I wanted to steer my career and also emotional support at every stage in my college career.
It is important to note that the student academic success rate is correlated with familial support and understanding of the system. This will very likely rise as parents become more engaged so I empower you to take the necessary steps to remain involved.
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