Even though parents are often appalled at the thought of their little girls leaving home for college, more and more Latinas are choosing to leave the nest.

Leaving home
Gisela, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC Davis, was the first in her family to graduate from high school and go on to college. She is one of many young Latinas who are challenging traditions and leaving home to pursue a college education. But it wasn’t easy.

Gisela said, “When I told my parents I was accepted to the University of California at Davis they were like ‘Who do you think is going to let you go?’” Unbelievably, they were not going to let her go. She had not predicted they would disagree with her plan to attend college away from home. Crushed, but not defeated, she contacted a UC representative who worked with her parents and set up a visit. After visiting the campus and talking to Latino staff members, her dad was much more at ease and supported her decision. She told LàTeen, “Attending college away from home is one of the best life decisions I have made.”

Many feel that leaving home for college is not yet the norm in Latino culture. It may still even be the case that the majority of Latinas leave their parents’ homes only after they get married. Gisela said she felt the expectations for young Latinas continue to be a little behind the times in this country. “However, I do think this trend is slowly changing and more Latinas are leaving their parents’ homes to attend college. I believe this has to do with awareness.”

First in my family
Many young Latinas are the first generation to be born here in the United States, and they face the difficult challenge of living in between two cultures. Their parents’ expectations may clash with the cultures and attitudes outside their front door. They may value keeping family traditions alive that don’t always fit into the “anglo” model of success. Latinas have therefore had to learn how to be a part of both worlds: the new and the traditional.

“We are capable of maintaining our culture, values, and beliefs as we aspire to become part of the professional world as well,” said Fatima Jaimes, a bright Latina who recently graduated college. She sees this as a positive new standard for Hispanic teens.

Heading to college is not only motivated by a desire to succeed, but also by the desire of many young Latinas for greater independence. Not to have a mom bugging you all the time is a strong motive for moving out. They only have the best interests at heart but let’s be honest, sometimes moms can over-worry. Gisela’s mom admitted, “I knew it (college) was something good for her future but I didn’t want to let her go because I was afraid something bad would happen to her.”

It wasn’t that Gisela’s parents didn’t support her decision to go to college, they just wanted her to stay close to home.

¿Y la familia?
Leaving the family nest to pursue education is a new idea for many Latino families and one that takes some getting used to. Many parents are hesitant to support their kids going off to college because the students will be on their own and surrounded by other “bad” influences.

“My parents were supportive of my decision although they still had their reservations about me being away by myself,” said Fatima Jaimes. “I think their main concern was that something bad could happen to me and that I would change.”

Some Latino parents have become more “Americanized” and don’t see this issue as a threat. They see an opportunity for their children to succeed. Isn’t this the reason they came to this country, searching for a better way of life?