Historically, students' lack of academic persistence has been attributed to factors such as financial instability, a difficult homelife, trauma, and social marginalization. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of students labeled as high-risk who were able to successfully persist towards their academic goals and explore how participants describe and perceive the experiences they believe helped them persist. The key research question guiding this study was: What experiences do students who have been labeled as high-risk and persist through tertiary degree status identify as increasing their educational success? This study focused on five participants' perceptions and descriptions of the lived experiences and educational interactions they believe increased their ability and desire to persist in academia. A collective case study design was used. The central findings of this study suggest an internal sense of purpose and self-efficacy developed through PCEs and positive interactions with others, having at least one caring and active support person, ongoing interactions with at least one mentor, and access to effective mental health professionals open doors to tertiary education and increase persistence. Positive interactions identified as increasing purpose and self-efficacy included micro-encouragements, safe spaces, positive classroom or community experiences, passionate and caring teachers, clear guidelines, engaging curricula, and access to appropriate academic accommodations. Findings support previous research on this topic but also speak to the complexity of individuals and their journeys. The findings also affirm the certainty that trauma informed practices need to be supported preK-12 and continue through college programs and organizations. [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.]