Diversity in Higher Education - I: The Hmong Experience.
Author(s):
Swirkowski, William J.
Format:
Report
Publisher:
1997.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Hmong students represent how a relatively infant culture in the United States adapts to the education system. A study of three Hmong male university students and how they dealt with diversity on a personal and social level is presented here. The intent was to explore Hmong men's experience in college with their potential need to utilize student counseling services. Each student was interviewed twice (one hour per interview) regarding personal accounts of their life histories, immigration, and college experience. The men were first-generation students with little academic preparation who grew up never intending to go to college. Interview results indicate that one student was not aware of counseling services, another was aware but had not used them, and the third was aware of these services and had received help in career counseling. Two of the students stated that they would prefer a counselor of similar ethnic background, whereas the third preferred a counselor from a different background so as to increase objectivity. It is hoped that this investigation will shed light on what inspires Hmong students to pursue higher education, the personal impact that attending college has on their cultural status, their future plans, and other issues. (Contains 11 references and 4 appendices.) (RJM)