Testimonios of Transformation: The Experiences of Latina/o Community College Students in Washington State Redefining Achievement and Success

Abstract

ABSTRACT Testimonios of Transformation: The Experiences of Latina/o Community College Students in Washington State Redefining Achievement and Success Irene Monica Sanchez This qualitative study looks at the personal and academic experiences of Latina/o Community College Students in Washington State and the implications of their lived experiences on how they define achievement and success. This study employed Critical Race Theory (CRT), Latina/o Critical Theory (LatCrit) and Chicana Feminist Theory to examine how numerous identities that include, but are not limited to, race, gender, class, sexuality, language and immigration status in the U.S. intersect and shape the experiences of Latina/o Community College Students. To this end the participants shared their testimonio, a tradition rooted in Latin American storytelling and political struggle to shed light on their experiences and how they experiences society and the educational system that leads them to community college. This work is an important contribution in that it (re)defines achievement and success from the experiences of community college students. Knowing how community college students define these terms can assist policy makers, educators and administrators to think differently about how policies and programs they implement can support Latina/o and all community college students reach their academic and personal goals.