Q:  The Boston Globe Magazine article focuses on your experience of being from a poverty-class background in the elite world of academia. How do you see students from such backgrounds being affected or regarded?

A:  I have had many conversations with students from poor families who discussed their experience in higher education. They express a high level of stress because they must work or take out huge loans to get through school. Many tell me that they feel out of place. Also, they are often the first member of their family to go to college, and they don't "know the ropes." They don't know what to expect. They are not able to turn to their family for such support because their family members lack the experience. Some express feelings of alienation from their families as they progress in their educational careers, for example, as they pursue graduate level work.

Q:  Do you take an active role in trying to mentor such students?

A:  I do take an active role in mentoring students who are first-generation college students. I find that I must provide a great deal of support to graduate students, especially. Many of my students express doubt about their worthiness or ability to complete graduate school. I have spent hours with some students providing support and encouragement. I have seen many of these students take extra time, struggle to complete the thesis, and triumph.