2023 - Full Presentation Schedule
Navigating College: The First-Gen Story
Abstract
This study examined how first-generation colleges students (FGCS) navigated college. The integrated arts approach of expressive therapies was applied through the conduct of four events. Each event gave opportunities for FGCS to express their experiences as well as interact with each other.
The 1st event was entitled “Tougher Barriers” and addressed obstacles, stresses, and challenges on being a FGCS. The second event was the Sip n’ Paint. It was a get-together among FGCS via a round-table discussion and art expression through painting. The third event was Pioneer Connect. A speaker of the same background was invited. She shared her experiences and advised the students. The fourth event was a survey measuring the knowledge of resources on campus. Students also received a treat for making it to midterms. The events proved to be successful as each created the link for FGCS to express themselves verbally as well as in terms of the integrated arts approach of expressive therapies, namely, sensory-based experiences, aesthetics, and creativity.
All components of the integrated approach where manifested as it also enhanced the verbal aspects of their stories. The FGCS narrated that their experiences were both positive and negative, whether from their respective families or peers. Positive outcomes from families ranged from moral (advises, praises, etc.) to occasional financial support. Negative outcomes came in the form of snide or sarcastic remarks or name-calling. As for peers, the effects ranged from support, praise, and admiration to jealousy. The conversations were linked to nonverbal expressions in the form of painting and gathering. As a result, the FGCS concluded the following: surrounding themselves with positive people; embracing being a FGCS; ignoring negativity from others; and knowing that being a FGCS is hard but worth it.
Navigating College: The First-Gen Story
CASB 105 - Psychology
This study examined how first-generation colleges students (FGCS) navigated college. The integrated arts approach of expressive therapies was applied through the conduct of four events. Each event gave opportunities for FGCS to express their experiences as well as interact with each other.
The 1st event was entitled “Tougher Barriers” and addressed obstacles, stresses, and challenges on being a FGCS. The second event was the Sip n’ Paint. It was a get-together among FGCS via a round-table discussion and art expression through painting. The third event was Pioneer Connect. A speaker of the same background was invited. She shared her experiences and advised the students. The fourth event was a survey measuring the knowledge of resources on campus. Students also received a treat for making it to midterms. The events proved to be successful as each created the link for FGCS to express themselves verbally as well as in terms of the integrated arts approach of expressive therapies, namely, sensory-based experiences, aesthetics, and creativity.
All components of the integrated approach where manifested as it also enhanced the verbal aspects of their stories. The FGCS narrated that their experiences were both positive and negative, whether from their respective families or peers. Positive outcomes from families ranged from moral (advises, praises, etc.) to occasional financial support. Negative outcomes came in the form of snide or sarcastic remarks or name-calling. As for peers, the effects ranged from support, praise, and admiration to jealousy. The conversations were linked to nonverbal expressions in the form of painting and gathering. As a result, the FGCS concluded the following: surrounding themselves with positive people; embracing being a FGCS; ignoring negativity from others; and knowing that being a FGCS is hard but worth it.