Week 9 — Interview with Asian American First Generation College Students (Christine & Cindi)
Q1: How has being a first-generation college student affected you on campus? Is there strengths/negatives to being a first-generation college student?
Cindi: People keep mistaking me for international students, it’s kinda annoying.
Christine: Not many role models in immediate family to have basic knowledge off of.
Q2: Would you consider yourself an Asian American & first generation college student?
Cindi: Yes.
Christine: Yes, that is what I identify as.
Q3: Do you think being Asian American has caused some benefits or disadvantages?
Christine: Stereotype. There’s a stigma to being Asian, assumes we do not know things, so can get away with some stuff. Also negative stigma that we’re all “smart” and can have certain pressures. Also the fact that people think we’re bad at English. I’m very offended about that.
Cindi: I can get away with some things by hiding as international student.
Q4: React to …
Facts about Asian American First-Generation College Students/Barriers Presented to them:
- Majority of AAPI students come from low-income families.
- There is a huge amount of pressure to help out their families financially and pursue their academics simultaneously.
- No prior knowledge on how to apply for FAFSA, College, etc.
- Financial constraints may cause students to choose less expensive colleges, (i.e. 2-year community colleges).
Christine: True, that is very resonant. Because out of state is usually not an option. Culturally, Asian families prefer if the children stay in the family… until they get married.
Cindi: I think it’s true. But also true in the opposite direction. For example, general scholarships are based on grades and though there are specialized ones, the more commonly founds ones are based on how well you do. And that may not be true for everyone. Also because everyone is all applying to the same ones, chances of you getting the scholarship becomes slim, regardless of how well you do.
Q5: Have you gotten pressure from your family regarding college?
Christine: Oh yeah. Silent pressures, though my parents don’t express it, it’s there. I feel there’s a sense of pride… knowing you can do well but not performing at that level. I feel the pressure to live up to my “family name” and to not waste my parents’ hard work.
Cindi: Is that even a question. My family wants me to have a specific major, doesn’t matter what I major in but to at least major and graduate. But there are constant pressure and reminders everyday that they worked hard so I don’t have to. I don’t want to disappoint.
Q6: Has your racial identity affected the way you act on campus?
Christine: The first thing people see is “Asian” they don’t see “Christine.” It creates a barrier, and makes it harder for us to relate to other races. Though it was easier when we were younger, due to ignorance & innocence.
Cindi: An example of this happening was when I was in a computer science class. All the Asians swarmed to me as “safety” because they assumed I was part of their group of people. I find it easier to approach others of difference races. I feel this way because we go to college because people are more open minded. Also student groups on campus are really diverse (ASU, JSA…). I guess it depends on who/where you meet people.
Q7: Nationally, of the 7.3 million undergraduates attending four-year public and private colleges and universities, about 20% are first-generation students. About 50% of all first-generation college students in the U.S. are low-income (Banks-Santilli). How does that make you feel?
Christine: No surprise. Most of our parents see higher education equating to better life.
Cindi: If the student themselves are the ones making money to help the family out, then it becomes that much harder for them to afford college.
Q8: From Banks-Santilli’s article “Most first-generation students decide to apply to college to meet the requirements of their preferred profession. But unlike students whose parents have earned a degree, they also often see college as a way to ‘bring honor to their families.’ ” Do you agree/relate to this statement? Why or why not.
Christine: Agree. I feel, even though I chose a liberal arts major, my dad still subtly hints to me at how other professions may be better.
Cindi: I very much agree. I’d say I’m in the same situations, constant comparison and competition between relatives.
Q9: How do you feel about commuting to campus everyday?
Christine: Financially is a pro. But socially [commuting] is a con. Most of the clubs meet later at night and sometimes that’s just not possible for us commuters. There is also an independence factor. Us commuters actually have to make an effort to wake up early and make sure to catch the appropriate bus time.
Cindi: It’s difficult but worth it. I try to have my classes all before 4pm. We also have to wake up extra early compared to those who live in the dorm. There’s also a snow factor to this. Being Minnesotans, you know how bad the snow can get and it can cause traffic, leading us to be late to a class. But that’s not an excuse UMN accepts.
Q10: “The cliche is that because my parents didn’t go to college, they’re like, lazy or whatever. But I — pretty much every first generation student would tell you they think their parents are the most intelligent people in the world, and…I uphold that to the highest degree.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
Christine: I agree with the quote. Our parents are so impressive, for example, my mom self-studied for the GED, got into working for Wells Fargo, etc, all while being an immigrant.
Cindi: I never thought they were lazy! In comparison to us, our generation of parents know life skills, unlike us who just know theories. My family came a long way and I feel very privileged already with what I have.
Q11: “I went through an incredibly hard time at the end of last semester…and I never even brought up the thought of not coming back to Wash. U., because I just knew it wasn’t an option. I think that that maybe isn’t exclusive to first generation college students, but definitely prevalent…Failure is not an option.” Do you feel that failure is not an option? Explain.
Christine: Being a child who was in the honors program, accelerated classes, etc. I was told at a young age that I will go far. But I realized people are in college because they want to & here I am just average. It hits you hard. The pressures of having A’s is still something on my mind but mental health over grades, for the moment.
Cindi: At times, I underestimated what I did because I didn’t want to be in the same situation as Miranda (her older sister, whom Cindi witnessed stressing out about courses, growing up). I still want to succeed but I guess I do the bare minimum to do okay in my classes.