Getting Into and Navigating College Life: Exploring Experiences and Perspectives of Micronesian Students: A Qualitative Study (67350)

Session Information:

Thursday, January 5, 2023 (16:30)
Session: Poster
Room: 3F Hallway
Presentation Type:Poster Presentation

All presentation times are UTC-10 (Pacific/Honolulu)

People from the Micronesian region have been migrating to the United States in increasing numbers over the past two decades. Educational attainment for this population remains low, both in their home islands and as migrants, particularly for higher education. Navigating the college application process and filling out financial aid forms can be an intimidating experience as non-native English speakers. Once in college, Micronesians face a myriad of challenges both as students and as newcomers adjusting to a faster-paced urban environment. Additional stressors are expectations from families and communities to do well in school, graduate on time, and return home to contribute to their societies. There is very little research examining Micronesian college life. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of Micronesian college students. Interviews with twelve students were conducted around the following four topics: family and cultural attitudes towards higher education, how they prepared for getting accepted into college, how they have navigated being in college, and the coping strategies they use to deal with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues associated with the pressures of being a college student. Thematic analysis will be conducted to identify patterns and themes. In addition to contributing to the limited literature in this area, findings from this study will help to inform the development of a "college 101" guide that will be distributed to Micronesian families and students as a resource for applying to college.

Authors:
Davis Rehuher, University of Hawaii at Manoa, United States
Srue Wakuk, University of Hawaii at Manoa, United States
Keisha Willis, University of Hawaii at Manoa, United States
Avalon Hurd, University of Hawaii at Manoa, United States
Erika Patrick, University of Hawaii at Manoa, United States


About the Presenter(s)
Mr Davis Rehuher is a University Postgraduate Student at University of Hawaii at Manoa, United States

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Posted by Clive Staples Lewis

Last updated: 2023-02-23 23:45:00