Lifting While Climbing: A Narrative of Resilience and Caring Relationships in Higher Education

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 7:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Critical, Inclusive, and Socially Just Perspectives on Higher Education (Table 1)

Abstract

One of the most marginalized groups in higher education is current and former foster youth (FFY). Adding the intersection of student-single motherhood may further compound these challenges. The purpose of this case study was to explore the essential role that caring relationships and resilience had in supporting one FFY student-single mother’s journey at a community college. This research article was rooted in a larger study that included 8 participants to investigate the supports and barriers that affected persistence and completion rates of FFY student-single mothers at the community college level. The theories of Care and Resiliency provided the framework for the research. The findings illuminated the extraordinary impact of caring relationships and personal resilience on student success in higher education.

Author

• Linda Ruiz, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona