Focus Cultural Strengths To Improve College Success

Minorities are often at a disadvantage in college because their cultural values can interfere with obtaining a college degree. I submit this is because colleges and universities have done a poor job of meeting the needs of a diverse population. 

It is often stated that Hispanics are more likely to put family obligations above school. This doesn't surprise me because in my experience Hispanics are great at helping their brothers and sisters, even after adulthood. When a tragedy strikes they will band together to overcome diversity. A sister will prepare meals for a brother who loses his spouse, or brothers will look after a sister that lost a job. Family is paramount for Hispanics, which I believe that doesn't have to change to succeed in college. 

Hispanics can band together to make sure a brother or sister gets through college. In fact, every time a Hispanic who is capable of obtaining a college degree, foregos college a tragedy occurs. When Hispanics miss the opportunity to get educated, increase their voice in the community, and serve as mentors to other Hispanics, the entire community suffers. 

Although I am not aware of any studies that support it, I suspect that Hispanic mothers are reluctant to overly encourage their children to go to college because Hispanic mothers are paternal long into adulthood. I have friends who are in their fifties, they have children of their own and are grandparents, however every workday they go to their mom's house and eat breakfast with their brothers and sisters before going to work. I myself have spent many weekends with extended family at BBQs. 

The Western system of sending our teenagers off to college to live in another city or state, is contrary to the practice of maintaining close relationships into adulthood. One college in Riverside, CA has enjoyed success with a program that respected Hispanic culture and offered a dormitory that permitted Hispanic students to live together and share common areas. The Hispanic students who lived in the special dorm reported feeling more comfortable at school and better equipped to succeed in school. 

Hispanic students may want to focus their attention on local schools that they can attend without moving out of their parents house. By living at home while attending school, Hispanic students can benefit from the support of their parents and remain close to brothers and sisters while getting a college degree at the same time.