Examining First-Generation College Students' Help-Seeking Behaviors and Perceptions in the Context of a Pandemic

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Thirteen
  In Roundtable Session: Strengthening Persistence, Belonging, and Sense of Support for College Students (Table 1)

Abstract

First-generation college students’ help-seeking behaviors and conceptions were explored in the context of the pandemic through a semester-long investigation (three time points). Focus group findings from the first time point are presented in three themes. First, students voiced the influence of their identities on the development of their help-seeking behaviors. Second, students reflected on how the pandemic disrupted their course modalities, leading to changes in help-seeking processes and conceptions. Third, first-generation students noted how they developed capital in college and moved to disseminate it to their siblings, peers, and future generations of students. First-generation college students engage in active strategies to support their learning and strengthen their communities.

Authors

• Allison Zengilowski, Lehigh University
  Presenting Author

• Taylor Payne, University of Texas at Austin
  Non-Presenting Author

• Keilah B. Granados, Columbia University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Ana Guadalupe Vielma, University of Texas at Austin
  Non-Presenting Author

• Cierra Jungwirth, University of Texas at Austin
  Non-Presenting Author