¡Estamos Aquí y Somos Importantes!: Fostering Latinx First-Generation College Undocumented/DACAmented Students’ Sense of Belonging and Well-Being with Culturally Responsive Mentoring

Abstract

I'm here, I got accepted to the university…as a DACA recipient and the first in my family to attend a four-year university, I'm thrilled, proud of my accomplishments…and yet I'm not sure about meeting with Professor Cullen from my department today. I have no idea what to expect or what questions to ask. Is it safe to share my immigration status with them? Will they understand what it means to be a DACA recipient? What do I say, will he think that my DACA is expired, and I'm going to lose my job? How will I pay for school? Can I even go to school with how expensive it is going to be? I need to work to help my family, I'm not sure what to do. I feel my heart racing and my hands are trembling. Do I belong here? What will I do if Professor Cullen is unwelcoming or doesn't understand what I'm going through?S TUDENTS, MUCH LIKE CLAUDIA, who are the first in their families to attend college and have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, question whether they will be welcomed, accepted, and safe in their relationships and on campus. Setting the stage for this paper, we provide