and willingness to work hard, and the self-confidence they developed from these experiences, including the support and significant relationships with their career coach, family members, and other influential people in their lives. Family and Other Influential People Participants consistently mentioned family members as contributing factors to their success; whether it was supporting them growing up, motivating them to attend college, or providing support or encouraging words while in college. When participants were asked whether there were particular people that contributed to their academic success and enrollment and success in college, nine of the eleven participants identified at least one or more individuals who contributed to their success, David spoke of the encouragement he received from his football coaches and grandparents as well as the lessons his parents instilled in him since he was a small child. He shared in this way: Oh, there have been many, many people ever since I was of young age. My grandparents, my parents, almost every one of my football coaches since I was small, especially my high school football coach, Mr. Cones. He is one of my mentors. . . . Many other people have told me college is the way to go. . . . I always believe in myself. always been told since I was a young child that I’ve whatever you put your mind to, going to accomplish. seen that proven you’re I’ve time and time again with my success throughout my young life. Many participants felt their success and confidence came from the support of their families. According to Evan, The number one thing would have been having my mom and stepdad. She always has my back, no matter what the situation. And my stepdad, even though he is recent, he has my back just as much as she does and I really appreciate that. For Jenna, having her mom support her, even if she made mistakes, was a factor contributing to her success. She stated: My mom was a very good determining factor with me going to college. She judgmental if I fail a test. It like you failed a test. What wasn’t wasn’t ‘Oh, you’re
and willingness to work hard, and the self-confidence they developed from these experiences, including the support and significant relationships with their career coach, family members, and other influential people in their lives. Family and Other Influential People Participants consistently mentioned family members as contributing factors to their success; whether it was supporting them growing up, motivating them to attend college, or providing support or encouraging words while in college. When participants were asked whether there were particular people that contributed to their academic success and enrollment and success in college, nine of the eleven participants identified at least one or more individuals who contributed to their success, David spoke of the encouragement he received from his football coaches and grandparents as well as the lessons his parents instilled in him since he was a small child. He shared in this way: Oh, there have been many, many people ever since I was of young age. My grandparents, my parents, almost every one of my football coaches since I was small, especially my high school football coach, Mr. Cones. He is one of my mentors. . . . Many other people have told me college is the way to go. . . . I always believe in myself. I’ve always been told since I was a young child that whatever you put your mind to, you’re going to accomplish. I’ve seen that proven time and time again with my success throughout my young life. Many participants felt their success and confidence came from the support of their families. According to Evan, The number one thing would have been having my mom and stepdad. She always has my back, no matter what the situation. And my stepdad, even though he is recent, he has my back just as much as she does and I really appreciate that. For Jenna, having her mom support her, even if she made mistakes, was a factor contributing to her success. She stated: My mom was a very good determining factor with me going to college. She wasn’t judgmental if I fail a test. It wasn’t like ‘Oh, you failed a test. What you’re