Article Summary and Critique - Essay Example

A critique of M. R. Valverde and R. C. Rodriguez's Increasing Mexican American Doctoral Degrees: The Role of s of High Education The problems faced by Mexican Americans in pursuing doctoral degrees have been discussed in several literary works but the article "Increasing Mexican American Doctoral Degrees: The Role of Institutions of High Education" by M. R. Valverde and R. C. Rodriguez (Journal of Hispanic Higher Education 1.1 (2002): 51-58, Sage Publications) expresses this concern and the possible solutions from the viewpoint of Mexican Americans based on authors' own experiences.

The article highlights the reasons responsible for the low number of doctoral degree holders among Mexican Americans. The Hispanic Border Leadership Institute (HBLI) took an initiative in this regard. It funded four major universities in the states on the U.S.-Mexico border to allow several Mexican Americans complete their education. Authors present an institutional support model based on their experiences with the HBLI program. It refers the key areas that need development. The model covers the financial, moral, mentorship and technical support issues.

Most of the Mexican American students are from lower middle class families. Hence, they need substantial financial support to complete their doctoral degrees. Moral support and cultural bonding can be enhanced by organizing various social activities among the students. Presence of Mexican American staff will allow them to connect and relate with the faculty. Guidance by the Mexican American faculty, acting as their mentors, will also be very encouraging and helpful. Lack of proper technical support is another factor that should be taken care of.

All these factors were taken into account by HBLI in their programs and resulted in significant progress. The authors conclude that cooperation of the staff of the universities and their faith in the abilities of Mexican American students can boost up the number of doctoral degree holders. The authors are Mexican American doctorate degree holders themselves. They were part of the HBLI Doctoral Fellowship Program. The article is based on their own experiences and the review of the other scholarly works covering the same issue.

The authors have tried to portray the whole situation from the point of view of Mexican Americans, who are the actual sufferers. The main feature of the article is the institutional support model that attempts to present an effective solution to every matter of concern. The authors have succeeded in providing a substantial foundation on which further research can be based. The model will act as a point of origin for the further exploration. The abstract of the article clearly defines the key points discussed later.

The text of the article is very clear and to the point. It is very easy to read and understand the message the authors are trying to share. Although the authors have expressed the improvements that can be incorporated in the educational system; most of the matter focuses on the Mexican Americans studying in the universities lying on the Mexico-U.S. border. Emotional support mentioned is difficult to provide to the students studying in institutions far away from the border. They cannot visit schools and other such places in Mexico or border areas.

Those students also need emotional bonding but the ways can be different keeping in mind their limitations. Formation of groups among the students based on a country or community is supported in the article. But this will also enhance hostility in the eyes of other communities. Students will not be able to prepare themselves for living and adjusting with fellow Americans and adapting in the working environment of America. This practice will make them feel secure only in the company of other Mexican Americans throughout their lives which will impose a limitation on their growth.

It is also difficult to find a mentor of same community always, hence students should be able to interact and relate themselves with other faculty as their guides.The overall presentation and lucidity of this article is excellent. The issues covered deserve further research and examination. Universities must be well informed about the matter and should take steps to resolve it so as to increase the number of doctoral degree holders among Mexican Americans.