Journey toward Becoming a Counselor Education Doctoral Student: Perspectives of Women of Color

• Published in: The Journal of Negro education Vol. 84; no. 1; pp. 66 - 79
• Main Authors: Zeligman, Melissa, Prescod, Diandra J, Greene, Jennifer H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington The Journal of Negro Publication 2015; Journal of Negro Education; Howard University School of Education; Howard University, School of Divinity
• Subjects: College campuses; College students; Colleges and universities; Color; Counselor education; Counselor Training; Cultural differences; Diversity; Doctoral Programs; Doctoral Students; Education; Educational counseling; Families & family life; Females; Gender Discrimination; Graduate students; Higher education; Mentoring; Mentors; Minority Group Students; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Population; Racial Discrimination; Racial diversity; Racism; School campuses; Sexism; Student Experience; Students; Universities; Women; United States > US; Texas; Georgia
• ISSN: 0022-2984; 2167-6437
• DOI: 10.7709/jnegroeducation.84.1.0066

Women of color are underrepresented in university settings, both as students and faculty, when compared to national representation within the population. A lack of representation results in fewer role models for women of color, as well as limited peer support from those with a shared experience. Experiences of racism and sexism also exist, further contributing to the unique experience of being a woman of color within higher education. This study explores the journey and experiences of women of color (N = 5) as they enter into their first semesters as counselor education, PhD students. Results revealed six themes: diversity (racial/ethnic) within the program, racial/cultural awareness, setting an example, sacrifices/challenges of PhD, and the journey to a PhD program.