An Autoethnographic Exploration into the Experience of a Low-Income Student in an Institute of Higher Learning

Location

CSU 202

Start Date

10-4-2018 10:00 AM

End Date

10-4-2018 11:00 AM

Student's Major

Communication Studies

Student's College

Arts and Humanities

Mentor's Name

James Dimock

Mentor's Department

Communication Studies

Mentor's College

Arts and Humanities

Description

Conducted through the qualitative research method of autoethnography, and presented through the lens of critical analysis, this study explores the oppressive experience as a low income student in an institute of higher education. Written as an attempt to make the struggle as a low income students more visible, the focus of this study is both an exploration into the commodification of higher education and the culture surrounding how we treat, or don't acknowledge, low income students. Through the presentation of the author's experience as an autoethnography, the insight gained from first hand experience can be shared through an accessible, but still academic, medium. By reflecting on this experience using the critical paradigm, the oppressive nature a low income student has with their institute of higher learning is revealed, explored, and critiqued. The results of this study have shown that while some institutes of higher education may be skillful in attracting low income students, they are not necessarily equipped to serve low income students. Even more troubling, on an interpersonal level its entirely possible that those who serve the institute may not even be aware enough to recognize, considerate enough to care, or empathetic towards understanding low income students.

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Apr 10th, 10:00 AM Apr 10th, 11:00 AM

An Autoethnographic Exploration into the Experience of a Low-Income Student in an Institute of Higher Learning

CSU 202

Conducted through the qualitative research method of autoethnography, and presented through the lens of critical analysis, this study explores the oppressive experience as a low income student in an institute of higher education. Written as an attempt to make the struggle as a low income students more visible, the focus of this study is both an exploration into the commodification of higher education and the culture surrounding how we treat, or don't acknowledge, low income students. Through the presentation of the author's experience as an autoethnography, the insight gained from first hand experience can be shared through an accessible, but still academic, medium. By reflecting on this experience using the critical paradigm, the oppressive nature a low income student has with their institute of higher learning is revealed, explored, and critiqued. The results of this study have shown that while some institutes of higher education may be skillful in attracting low income students, they are not necessarily equipped to serve low income students. Even more troubling, on an interpersonal level its entirely possible that those who serve the institute may not even be aware enough to recognize, considerate enough to care, or empathetic towards understanding low income students.

Recommended Citation

Schadendorf, Shelbi. "An Autoethnographic Exploration into the Experience of a Low-Income Student in an Institute of Higher Learning." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 10, 2018.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2018/oral-session-02/2