Case Studies

 
 
These case studies were selected to illustrate basic concepts in this chapter.  As you review the case example see if you can "spot the concept" from the chapter which is illustrated in the case.  These case examples may be useful for classroom discussion, for role playing in class, or to put the concepts from this chapter in a real-world context.
 
1. A Chinese graduate student recently finished his Masters degree in Counseling Psychology and was preparing to apply to a doctoral program.  The student received many invitations to attend numerous universities throughout the country.  In addition, the student was offered a fellowship from several prestigious universities.
 
The Chinese student visited the doctoral programs at universities that were within reasonable driving distance.  From universities that were out of state, the student was able to do research through the mail.
 
After narrowing the selection to five universities, the student met with his advisor to decide on which school to attend.  After a lengthy conversation with his advisor the student finally made a decision.  One important factor that he had overlooked was the fact that none of the five schools had faculty of color, specifically professors of Chinese decent.
 
2. Maria, a seventeen year old first generation Mexican-American high school student was angry and upset because she was not given permission to attend a field trip to visit a local university.  Maria's friends were concerned about her behavior and informed a counselor at the Counseling and Guidance Center.  The counselor, a female Mexican American, met with Maria to find out what was troubling her.  Maria explained that she would like to attend college but that her family did not support her decision.  Maria mentioned that her father wanted her to stay home and help her mother around the house; and that maybe in a few years when she was older she could possibly go on to school.  Maria believed her father's real reason for not supporting her in continuing her education was due to the rapes that were occurring on college campuses.
 
Ms. Bustamante shared with Maria that she too was not supported by her parents when she went to college.  Ms. Bustamante, however, was not angry at her parents because she knew that her parents really loved her.  Instead, she found a way to convey to her parents the benefits of attending college.
 
Ms. Bustamante advised Maria to do the same and suggested that she share with her parents information about the different colleges.  In addition, Ms. Bustamante suggested that Maria gather information about housing and if possible, the security services the campuses offer students.