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Written by MiApogeo Staff
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With a 46% high school dropout, Latinos who make it to college often find themselves feeling isolated.
But, it is important to remember that you are not there alone! Latinos have been in higher ed since the beginning, and have a long history of academic success. Unfortunately, while many of us enter, not all of us finish. One of the many reasons that Latinos cite for dropping out is that they feel like they don’t belong. Those feelings of not belonging and isolation often lead to a downward spiral of low self-esteem and poor grades. But, this does not have to be true; there are ways to combat and prevent these feelings. Through connections to our communities and reaffirmations of our cultural identities, Latino students can be successful. Here are some tips to keep you proud of your roots and help you keep your eye on the prize (your degree!):
1. Make friends! Find other Latinos and people of color both on and off campus. Even if you all have different backgrounds and experiences, at least you will have a safe space to share your feelings.
2. Keep the friends that you have! Newer is not always better, so be sure to maintain relationships with your close family members and friends from back home.
3. Look for someone who is bi, bi-cultural that is. Find someone who can serve as a cultural translator and teach you how to survive and thrive in your new surroundings.
4. Join your local Latino organization; it is important to network with all the big wigs. Never know when you might need a paid internship.
5. It takes a village, so volunteer in the neighborhood or mentor younger students. Nothing makes you feel better about yourself than sharing yourself with others. Also, being a positive role model for someone else will reinforce your own positive view of yourself.
Check out:
HACU
www.hacu.net/hacu/Default_EN.asp
The Latino Student's Guide to College Success (Paperback) Leonard A. Valverde (Editor)
edexcelencia.org/
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