Examining the Relationship Between First-Gen Students’ Networks and Their Higher Education Journey

This study seeks to discover the meaningful and impactful high school relationships that first-generation, students of color studying at University Florida had while in school. Personal network maps student interviews were used identify key left a lasting impact on students’ post-high journeys. Results showed five main relationship types helpful students: family, teachers, counselors, self-advocacy, friends. paper specifically focuses positive friendship/peer support first-generation attending they navigated college-going process as this was an unanticipated finding ended up being significant data. Peer peer mentorship allowed not only gather information work through college application together with their peers, but peers also supported emotional well-being during time. can help stakeholders educators understand importance friendship among are impacts it has improving access.