This research project explored how leaders and mentors can influence the development of a sense of belonging in first-generation students in the United States. My first-generation experience led me to explore the influence belonging has on the retention and completion of first-generation students. I also considered if education leaders and mentors can have a more causal influence on fostering belonging with first-generation students. These interests spurred my research question and subquestions: 1. What are key leadership characteristics--for example, particular qualities, skills, and values--that higher education administrators need to consciously develop in higher education professionals so they can effectively mentor first-generation college students and lead in a way that promotes a campus culture that fosters a sense of belonging? (a) What can be learned about this topic from the researcher's own experience with pivotal educational leaders who fostered a sense of belonging? (b) What key leadership perspectives and uses of mentoring enabled the researcher to thrive, e.g., develop a sense of belonging, self-worth, and self-efficacy?From my personal and professional experience, I have long contemplated the value of a sense of belonging in the retention and completion of postsecondary students. My study highlighted an existing lack of scholarship on how education leaders and mentors foster belonging for first-generation students. This research used autoethnography because this methodology calls for the researcher to be the subject of the study. The research design consisted of selecting three pivotal memories to use in three recall exercises. Each recall exercise was followed by a journaling activity where I noted prominent feelings and thoughts. The analysis entailed reviewing the journal entries multiple times to look for common emotions and themes. The outcome that emerged most prominently from the research was leaders and mentors had a direct role in the development of a sense of belonging. This dissertation represents an initial step in a multistep research journey. Future researchers could move from autoethnography to ethnographic methodologies. Additional exploration should be conducted in research areas such as the relationship between belonging, self-worth, and self-efficacy, and what leadership styles prove most effective in fostering a sense of belonging. [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.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]