Still standing strong: the pathways, self-reliance, and resiliency of independent status students at Colorado State University

Abstract

This thesis seeks to understand the ways in which forms of adversity and resiliency operate in the lives of independent status students at Colorado State University (CSU). Specifically, this research investigates the ways in which these components have impacted students' educational experiences at CSU. Using a grounded theoretical approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 students. Participants identified as having an independent status at CSU were contacted to participate in this research. The results from this thesis present several important findings. Such findings include the ways in which certain variables serve as pathways for participants to college, including: envisioning college as a reality, student's conceptualization of school, and financial assistance. Results also identify the ways in which forms of social and emotional support aid in the maintenance of participants' resiliency once they have made it college. Finally, participants' self-concept of their independent status through the idea of self-reliance is examined. In conclusion, this thesis points to three important recommendations: (1) the need for independent status students' increased access to mental health services during secondary education, and (2) continued research conducted on the impact of peer relationships for youth, especially utilizing the theoretical conceptualizations of resiliency, and (3) the need for more focus on how students' self-concept shapes their process of resiliency and the ways in which they draw on various forms of support while at college.