The purposes of this qualitative narrative study were to explore the potential areas of conflict Latina college students experience between their educational goals and traditional cultural gender roles and expectations. Participants were selected utilizing purposeful sampling methods. All participants were first-generation college students. Participants were in daily contact with their family members while in college. Ten students were interviewed, completed journals, and participated in two focus groups. Conflicts and tension between balancing cultural expectations and educational goals was recognized as a possible source of motivation as well as significant stress. The following themes emerged from the data: (1) family comes first; (2) mixed signals; (3) harsh realities of cultural expectations; and (4) areas of institutional support for Latina students. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]