Personal narratives were analyzed to determine if a pattern would emerge in the lives of Tucson, Arizona's successful Mexican American adults who had grown up in a traditional barrio without benefit of inherited wealth. Participants in the study were nominated as successful by their peers. Nominees who agreed to participate were given a life history protocol to use as a guide in describing their childhood experiences in their families, neighborhoods, and schools. Less than one quarter of the 114 nominees (89% male, 11% female) completed the task of tape recording their personal histories. Analysis of the completed narratives suggested that, in general, this group of Mexican Americans came from a deeply religious, close-knit family with a strong commitment to a work ethic. Most participants' parents were born in the United States. In school they had participated in extracurricular activities which placed them in contact with Anglos. One of the major factors in school attendance and success was the encouragement of a teacher, counselor, relative, friend of the family, or employer. Many received the support of a sponsor or mentor. As adults they did not become completely Anglicized, but remained bicultural. (JHZ)