Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify individual resiliency traits that contribute to African American students who persist in college to complete their master's degree. Methodology. A mixed-method research design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from twenty African American students who earned their master's degrees from an accredited college or university between the years 2000 and 2005. Data were collected by survey and telephone interviews. Findings. No significant difference was found between childhood, adolescence, and adulthood quantitative data related to resiliency traits; data show that resiliency traits do contribute to African American students' persistence in completing master's degrees; Fraternities and Sororities contribute positively and humor resiliency trait may or may not contribute to African American students persistence in completing their master's degrees. Conclusions. The literature and the study substantiate that resiliency traits contribute to African Americans' education process and life success. Further, the literature and the study confirmed that support from family, community, school personnel, Fraternities, and Sororities can effectively contribute to African American students earning their master's degrees. Recommendations for future research. (1) Study a larger sample of African American students; (2) study African American students who are over forty; (3) study African American students in Fraternities and Sororities from universities outside California who have earned their master's degrees to see if the findings and conclusions are the same as those in this study. Implications for action. Learn how to bounce back from traumatic situations in life by developing strong individual resiliency traits as a child and adult. Learn how to build positive relationships with your family, community, and school personnel. Create a vision and stay focused on your goals and dreams.