The First-Year College Experiences of Upward Bound Alumni at Four-Year Postsecondary Institutions
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LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations 2020 In Their Own Voices: The First-Year College Experiences of Upward Bound Alumni at Four-Year Postsecondary Institutions Norma Romero Loyola Marymount University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd Part of the Educational Leadership Commons, Education Policy Commons, and the Higher Education Commons Recommended Citation Romero, Norma, "In Their Own Voices: The First-Year College Experiences of Upward Bound Alumni at Four-Year Postsecondary Institutions" (2020). LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations. 946. https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/etd/946 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons @ Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School. It has been accepted for inclusion in LMU/LLS Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@Loyola Marymount University and Loyola Law School. For more information, please contact [email protected]. LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY In Their Own Voices: The First-Year College Experiences of Upward Bound Alumni at Four-Year Postsecondary Institutions by Norma Romero A dissertation presented to the Faculty of the School of Education, Loyola Marymount University, in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Education 2020 In Their Own Voices: The First-Year College Experiences of Upward Bound Alumni at Four-Year Postsecondary Institutions Copyright © 2020 by Norma Romero Loyola Marymount University School of Education Los Angeles, CA 90045 This dissertation written by Norma Romero, under the direction of the Dissertation Committee, is approved and accepted by all committee members, in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education. ________________________________ Date Dissertation Committee ________________________________ Rebecca Herr Stephenson, Ph.D., ________________________________ Mary McCullough, Ph.D., Committee Member ________________________________ Thomas Poon, Ph.D., Committee Member ________________________________ Elizabeth Stoddard, Ph.D., Committee Member ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The culmination of any large, life-changing, and even grueling undertaking is often the result of an eventful journey, aided by the contributions of many. My doctoral experience began as a yearning, developed into a calling, and concluded with personal transformation and this document, one that I present with love, pride, and conviction. A doctorate is something I had contemplated for quite a while. But the timing was never right, and frankly, I was scared. My biggest fear was whether or not I was smart enough and tough enough. Once I decided that it was “now or never”, it was time to tackle the application process. My first words of gratitude go to the three people who said “yes”; who believed in me enough to put their own reputations on the line by being my recommenders. To Debbie Flores, Beth Stoddard, and Henry Ward, your faith in me from the start served as an ever-present motivator to press on and make you proud. Henry, your support during that first summer and again at my defense meant the world to me. The others “who said yes” are the incredible participants of my research. The Upward Bound alums who wanted to give back, “be part of important research”, and tell their stories, for their own sakes and for those who would follow them. Your stories moved and changed me. The trust you demonstrated and the honestly with which you shared your stories left me feeling incredibly humbled and privileged after each of our conversations. I am honored that you allowed me into your lives in such a personal way. I pray that I have presented your truth with the respect it deserves. To my dissertation committee, Dr. Mary McCullough, Provost Dr. Tom Poon, Dr. Beth Stoddard, and my chair Dr. Becky Stephenson, a huge thank you for your guidance and support. iii Having both the Dean and the Provost on my committee was both exciting and intimidating, but I knew you each had so much to contribute to my growth. Beth, you were my first chair and the person who got me to the starting gate. You were also the first person who said, “You can do this!” Also related to “firsts”, Dr. Hutching, it was you and in your class when I first felt like I might actually know what I was doing. Friend, you are loved and appreciated. Becky, you stepped in and adopted me, celebrated my squishiness, made room for my emotions, adapted the writing game plan when I got stuck, brought life to my words, and turned me into a researcher. You also pushed me when I needed it, believed in me when I doubted myself, and did it all with brilliance, patience, and love. My gratitude is endless. To the members of Cohort 14, my fellow social justice warriors and homies: we were/are so different, perhaps one of the most diverse LMU cohorts ever. Yet, at our core, we were the same, we were one. From orientation to Covid-19-necessitated Zoom chats, our bond is strong and we prevailed despite the closing of the world. Here’s to us, may we forever be connected. To the Doc Squad, four women of color who bonded over who knows what to begin with, but who served as my strength, motivation, outlet, and source of hilarity: Lauren, Marcia, and Sylvia, thank you for being there, always, and through it all. On so many occasions you were my lifeline, that Doc Squad group text that always made things better. And then there’s my ride or die, the person who kept me grounded, held my hand, wiped my tears, and kicked my butt. Sylvia, our immediate connection at orientation over thoughts of Café Du Monde beignets and hurricanes is stuff of legend. To say that I would have not made it to the finish line without you is no understatement. Making me laugh in the middle of class with ridiculous memes, reminding me to stop overthinking and just finish my paper already, and our timed “tomato” writing iv sessions are as much a part of my doc experience as the actual courses. Te quiero mucho y por siempre. To my Upward Bound family––students, staff, families, and alums, your faith in me and unconditional support uplifted me on the many nights when I wasn’t sure I could write another sentence. The first summer was brutal; my exhaustion and insecurity was matched only by the guilt I felt from being present, but not truly present. Memories of your daily reminders that “we’ve got you” are vivid. I have been blessed beyond measure by each of you. The most consistent, unwavering support was provided by my UB other half, Aaron Beasley. There are no words to adequately express my gratitude. I cannot imagine a more enthusiastic cheerleader, comforting listener, and all-around partner in the process. He was with me through it ALL. He celebrated my successes as if they were his own, and was the perpetual ear and shoulder when I experienced defeat, be it academic or personal. I share this accomplishment with him. And lastly to my family, and those who I consider family: Steph, Gary, Laura, Leticia and Christina, you have witnessed this journey first-hand and have waited patiently for me “to be done already”! I am! And to my children, who probably wondered why on earth their mom wanted to do this, and then had to listen to my sighs and whines for three years. Matt, my first summer you texted me almost daily with “Good morning mama, I love you, time to put your blinders on, it’s you against yourself.” I still hear those words in my head and have offered them to others who have felt overwhelmed. Jazz, from the start you were there trying to get me through the GRE math section and reminding me to study, and for the past three years you’ve attempted to keep me calm and out of my own way––no easy feat. My babies, you make me proud every day. I hope I have made you proud. v DEDICATION Throughout my life, there has never been a day when I did not feel the fierce, profound, and unconditional love of my mother. This is for her. I would not be who I am without her. “On the darkest days, when I feel inadequate, unloved and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my crown.” ef And to every Upward Bound student I have had the privilege of knowing, growing with, being inspired by and loving, this is for you. I have talked the talk for decades; this is my attempt to walk the walk––with, and for you. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................... iii DEDICATION .............................................................................................................................. vi LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... x ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................. xi PROLOGUE .................................................................................................................................. 1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 5 First-Generation Students .......................................................................................................... 6 Upward Bound History and Organization ..................................................................... 9 Eligibility ..................................................................................................................... 10 Services