First generation college students are accessing colleges and universities at an increased rate. However, first generation college students, which include a disproportionate number of minorities and low income populations, continue to lag behind their counterparts in graduating from college. More prevalent in the research are factors that cause first generation college students to drop-out. On the contrary, the researcher utilized a qualitative descriptive methodology to explore factors that enable first generation college students to persist and complete college, rather than drop out. Engaging in a series of in-depth semi-structured interviews, the researcher examined the lived experiences of twelve first generation college students who have persisted at Saint Lucia University (SLU), a faith-based, four year liberal arts college located in California. Four central themes emerged: Support (especially from parents), Challenges Endured, Impetus to Stick it Out, and Institutional Factors. Aside from challenges that included unclear expectations about college life and a lack of confidence in their academic readiness, (though SLU has a population of students who are 55% ethnic minority) many participants encountered a dose of culture shock, as they "perceived" SLU to be "mostly White and mostly rich." Others professed having encountered racial discrimination. Indeed, it was daunting experiences like these that were most taxing on the participants and their ability to persist to degree. Nevertheless, for many of these students, their dire impetus to succeed was for the prospect of making a better life for themselves and their families. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]