Experiences of Secondary Hispanic Immigrant Students: Their Stories of Challenge and Triumph

Abstract

Secondary Hispanic immigrant students have many struggles and barriers to overcome. This qualitative study investigated the experiences of 10 secondary immigrant Hispanic students, all non-English speakers, as they lived and attended high school in the United States. Narrative techniques were used to explore the challenges they faced in culture, immigration, and education. As students told their stories of struggle and success, the following four themes emerged: (1) respect for homeland, family, friends, and others; (2) responsibility to family; (3) resiliency; and (4) hope.