Navigating New Worlds: The College Transition of Rural Latinx Undergraduates From California’s San Joaquin Valley

• In Event: Illuminating College Access: Shedding Light on College Readiness and Transition Experiences

Abstract

This study explored the college transition experiences of rural Latinx undergraduate students from California's San Joaquin Valley. Existing studies often depicted rural students as having low college-going aspirations, with many starting at two-year colleges. Employing a Chicana/Latina feminist pláticas (conversations) methodology, each student participated in two two-hour-long pláticas, resulting in 30 pláticas. The study identified three critical findings: rural Latinx students faced academic challenges due to inadequate preparation from rural high schools; they encountered racism and racial microaggressions while navigating the complex racial dynamics on campus; and they experienced social disconnection from wealth stemming from their low-income backgrounds. These findings highlighted the unique challenges faced by rural Latinx students in higher education.

Author

• Daniel Rios, University of California - Santa Barbara