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Abstract: Olga Isabel Moncada was raised in Angels Camp, California. Angels Camp is a small country town with the population of around 3,500 people. This small town and its citizens had a big influence on the way Isabel was raised and the kind of person she has grown into. Isabel is considered a first generation college student at Saint Mary’s College where she is finishing up her first year of school but she wouldn’t be considered one at every college.
Her mother, Olga, who was born and raised in Mexico and earned a degree there before marrying Isabel’s father Robert, and moving to the United States. Isabel’s high school, Bret Heart, always encouraged their students to go onto college so Isabel always figured that is what she would do. She didn’t look at being a first generation college student as a deterrent. Isabel also received much support from her hometown and its members, who provided her with both financial and emotional support.
Isabel was also lucky enough to have full support from her family, with whom she is very close. Isabel has had difficulty trying to convey to her family some aspects of her new life at college and, even though there have been arguments, their relationship is all the stronger for it. Isabel had a good experience in high school and is looking forward to continuing that kind of experience here at Saint Mary’s College.
Keywords: first generation, Mexican American, community, family, support, adjustment
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