Caught Between Two Worlds: The Experiences of Newly Arrived Mexican Immigrant High School Students

<p>This study explored the experiences of newly arrived Mexican immigrant students in their homes, communities, and schools. Additionally, I explored if their experiences with peers, in their home life, as well as identity and migratory experience differ in relation to levels of achievement. Thirty students of Mexican descent in one southern community participated in a semi-structured interview. The essences of their experiences were identified using phenomenological methods. The findings highlight the challenges associated with migration from Mexico to the United States. Both the students and their parents experience fear and racism in their communities, and they are extremely isolated both geographically and socially.</p> <p>In their schools the majority of the students find their teachers to be emotionally and academically supportive, but learning academic English is an enormous task for all. Frustration figures prominently for both the high and low achieving students, but for different reasons. Their identity is closely tied to their migratory status as are their plans for the future. These youngsters and their families are resilient, and despite great barriers, they are trying to succeed and incorporate into U.S. society.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Campus Access Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

College of Social Work

Year

2011

Author dc:creator

• del Castillo-Gonzalez, Maria Lourdes

Contributors dc:contributor

• Naomi Farber

• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Social Work
• Education
• Immigrant youth
• Phenomenology

Statement dc:rights

• © 2011, Maria Lourdes del Castillo-Gonzalez

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/1917

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarcommons.sc.edu:etd-2918