Latina Experience in Higher Education: ProblemSolving to Facilitate Student Success

ABSTRACTThe authors of this qualitative modified, success case study explorea Latina college senior’s sense of context, conditions, self-awareness,and personal management of familial and educational problemsduring the final two semesters prior to graduation. The researchquestions address: (a) What does a successful Latina student identifyas challenge?; and (b) How does she process those challenges toassist with success? Using a success case study, the student’s assessment of the nature and quality of those challenges in terms ofUniversity completion and graduation are explored. Findings supportthe importance of the institutional provision of creative bridgingexperiences that address new students, social-cognitive, cultural,and academic needs