"Estudia para que no termines como yo":Exploring the Pressures of Expectations on Latina/o First-Generation College Students from Immigrants Households in Union, New Jersey

Anahi Martinez

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: BA.PSYCHOLOGY

Faculty Research Mentor: Nathalia Hernandez Ochoa

Abstract:

Academic expectations within immigrant households often extend beyond simply earning a
college degree. For many Latina/o first-generation college students, these expectations are
deeply tied to family sacrifice and the desire to succeed as a way of honoring their parents’ hard
work and struggles. The research herein explores the underlying reasons that shape the
often-unspoken pressures faced by first-generation Latina/o students and examines how these
pressures impact their emotional and mental well-being. Using qualitative methods, this study
draws on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with nine participants. The findings reveal three
major themes that contribute to the pressure experienced by these students: (1) The triggering
effect—specific words or situations that evoke strong emotional responses rooted in past
experiences or family trauma; (2) Self-demand for success —the internalized pressure to meet
high family expectations; and (3) Legal status—the fear and limitations faced by students or
family members due to immigration-related issues. These findings underscore the complexity
and deeply personal nature of the college journey for Latina/o first-generation students. They
also point to the urgent need for culturally responsive and emotionally supportive systems within
higher education to better serve this population.
Keywords: Latina/o, first-generation, students, immigration, pressure, mental healt