A Qualitative Study of Lantern Mentoring: Faculty Who Illuminated Pathways for Latina Doctoral Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Mentoring for Higher Education Students

Abstract

This qualitative study provided a platform for Latina doctoral students to identify a faculty mentor who utilized Lantern mentoring as a situational approach, which led to their persistence. Ten Latina doctoral students explained how Lantern Mentoring was the intervention strategy used to fight against the social oppression caused by gender and racial aggressions. The emergent themes from the data collected from both the testimonios and photovoice entries revealed an understanding of the journeys of these Latina participants as they navigated the pathway to earning a doctoral degree. In addition, the characteristics of the Lantern approach to mentoring were identified by the participants and they attributed the relationship formed with a faculty member to battle El Ladròn and regain their bodymindspirit.

Author

• Denise Rodriguez-Strawn, New Mexico State University