The Experience of First-Generation College Students from the Appalachian Region at Walters State Community College.

<p>First-generation college students from the Appalachian region may be at risk in terms of their successful transition from home to college and in their persistence to graduation. I investigated possible influences on the college experiences of a purposeful sample of 10 Walters State Community College students. Participants were of diverse ethnicity, included both genders, and ranged in age from 18 to 45 years. In-depth interviews were conducted to aid in a narrative study that explored their experiences and the obstacles they faced in the college environment.</p><p>Many of the findings of this study concur with the review of the literature in that socioeconomic and generational status play a role in Appalachian students' college experience. This study, unlike the review of literature, found that the families of many first-generation students not only recognize the value of a college education, but also fully support the academic endeavors of their college students.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MALS (Master of Arts in Liberal Studies)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - restricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Liberal Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2003

Author dc:creator

• Gunnin, Kim Lee

• Appalachian region
• first-generation
• Education
• Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
• Liberal Studies

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/735

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-1892