Maria
You have a great insight as to what affects our people and the successes they will achieve in life. It's wonderful to see our young folks going to Universities, and thinking about issues such as how to achieve a higher education. I myself attended a Business University and received my Associates Degree. But coming from parents that did not speak english very well, and quit school during their elementary years, I am proud of what I have accomplished so far. Now my children are of college age, and we do not have the cash to send them to a university, so we were counting on their academic performances to help get them there. My two oldest, 21 and 18, started out strong, with my oldest also being selected as one of the Gifted and Talented when she was in fifth grade. But somewhere between middle school and high school, my encouragement and her desire disappeared. The same with my son. So what other factor could there be that derailed this plan of ours? Their friends, I don't think so because we do not allow our kids to hang out whenever they want, and come home whenever they want. They are held accountable for their actions. Could it be deep down they felt they could not achieve the high academic standard needed to get into a University. Probably. Your entry has given me cause to think about this. I still have an 11-year old at home. She too is on the right path...right now. She attended Young People's College this summer, and all her classes in middle school are advanced classes. Where is the break down happening? Hmmm. I will continue reading your entries. I am proud to see how intelligent and thought-provoking our people are. Keep up the good work!
[2004-11-16 12:04:45]

lex
You describe a lot of my same experiences with my background and education. I was in GATE too. And while I wasn't "pushed" by my parents, I just knew that it was expected of me. And I expected it of myself as well. I just knew after high school came college and knew I had my parent's support. But seeing my cousin's struggle without having the same kind of support made me realize how fortunate I was to have parents who encouraged me.
[2004-11-16 13:17:14]

Amaury
It is interesting the book that you cited, Higher Education Handbook of Theory and Research. My father chapter in that same book but in a different volume, Volume 9, Two-Year Colleges and Minority Students' Aspirations: Help or Hindrance? Amaury Nora. He has done a lot of research on this topic and has found additional factors in deciding what college to go to and the aspirations among Chicanos/as.
[2005-07-24 15:10:07]

what do you think about the latest entry?