The path toward achieving upward mobility can pose many social, cultural and economic challenges for marginalized college students.
Dr. Jennifer Morton — an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania — would know, having immigrated from Peru and being a first-generation college student herself who went on to earn degrees from both Princeton and Harvard universities.
Dr. Morton will share her story with California State University, Bakersfield students on March 15 at 6 p.m. as part of the Kegley Institute of Ethics’ Community Colloquia Series. The virtual event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Morton will speak about the conflicts and personal sacrifices many first-generation and low-income students in higher education are faced with in their efforts to pursue a better life, such as a loss of identity and strained family relationships.
In addition, Dr. Morton will discuss ways that faculty and staff can best support these students in their personal and educational journeys.
"We are excited to host this important conversation on both the tremendous strengths of and unique challenges faced by our first-generation students,” said Dr. Michael Burroughs, director of the Kegley Institute. “Understanding these challenges, in turn, can help us to find the most productive ways to support our students and their success."
Dr. Morton is the author of “Moving Up Without Losing Your Way: The Ethical Costs of Upward Mobility,” in which she encourages educators to help marginalized students deal with not only the financial costs of college, but also the personal or ethical costs these students encounter.
Morton’s message is relevant for the CSUB campus community. More than 60% of students are eligible for a federal Pell grant, which is only awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. This past fall, 64% of students were the first in their families to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
For more information about the Kegley Institute of Ethics and its Colloquia Series, visit its website. To learn more about Dr. Morton and her book, visit jennifermorton.com.
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