Target Learner Interview

DM

Senior Female at the Emily K Center

 

Interview Location: Office of CRCs

904 W Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701

 

Purpose:

• To engage in dialogue with students who experience issues in college access.

• To talk about the future goals of the student, particularly continuing education goals.

• To identify opportunities for innovation.

 

Section 1: Educational Goals

What do you want to do after high school?

Plans to attend a 4 year university, of student's choice, for free

What motivates to want to attend college?
Family values education. Immigrant family. Student's father immediately pursued education upon arriving in the United States. He now has a professional degree. Student believes it is her 'duty' to surpass the educational attainment of her parents. It's how she defines her success. 

 

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Section 2: College Knowledge

Have you sat in on a college class?

The student attends an early college high school, so she has not only sat in on a college course, but enrolled in and completed several. 

 

What is a selective university?

"I would think...like the test scores wouldn't be average or they're looking for well rounded students and not students who just focus on their grades."

• Does that sound better than a non-selective university?​​

Not a bad school, just not as competitive. 

• Would you want to attend?​

n/a

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Section 3: Barriers

What do you feel is missing from your college guidance?

The student took a long (25 second) pause before answering. She believes that some students don't have the same access, don't know how to fill out the FAFSA or how to apply to college. Additionally, students are missing the resume and test prep help. 

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Are you getting support in home for college going process?

Again education is big in her family. 

• What does that look like?

Constantly 'get at me' about her grades. Tell her to look for things out of school as well. 

How about from others you surround yourself with?

Most students in Durham don't have substantial supports from counselors. Most students, therefore, apply to reach schools. Then, they don't get in and have to go to community college. 

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Do you feel like you have ownership in your educational future?

"Oh yeah!" She dreams about her future and knows it's up to her.

 

 

What fears do you have about attending college?

She is afraid of leaving her sister and of making new friends.

What fears do you have about the college application process? Testing?

The student was really worried about her essay writing, but had help finding her voice. Testing was a concern for her because she feels she is a bad test taker.
 

Is there anything else you feel like I should know?

Initially, she said no, but then replied that many of her classmates do not recognize that they need to apply for scholarships in addition to applying to college.