Where All Thrive: Understanding the Intersection of Culture and Thriving in College for Students from Immigrant Families

Abstract

This research considers the cultural experience of first and second generation immigrants in the United States as they aim to thrive in college. Children of immigrants live in the intersection of cultures—the culture of their parents, the culture of their city, and now, as college students, the culture of their university. Throughout this research, students imply that they lean towards thriving in college while voicing their desire to express their cultural identities in a definitive manner. This work brings light to implications that impact the entire institution and offers insight for other institutions serving students who identify as first and second generation immigrants.