Face Your Studies: Exploring Education, Opportunity, and Community as a First-Generation Immigrant

• In Event: Black Women in Defense of Ourselves and Our Work

Abstract

This chapter provides an account of a high-ability, first-generation immigrant nuancing varying intersectional identities to navigate the K-12 system and later a clinical psychology program. This chapter focuses primarily on racial and family socialization and the mixed messages of public and private education as a gifted Black girl and woman. In the chapter the author posits: As most racial and ethnic minority parents, my parents prepared me for the realities of racism and discrimination in our society. They engaged in culturally specific parenting practices such as, racial socialization which includes teaching messages about racial and individual pride, preparation for bias, and intergroup relations among different racial groups (Coard & Sellers, 2005; Hughes et al, 2006a).
In addition to balancing the navigation of being a first-generation college student, the author details the complexities of religion, place, and language. The author provides an overview and narrative regarding the ways structural and systemic barriers should be disrupted as a scholar. In addition, discusses the realities and complexities of Black girlhood related to parental expectations, birth order, and discrimination in her doctoral journey.

Author

• Funlola Are, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
  Presenting Author