Paghimakas: Life through the Lens of College Student Assistants Living in Economically-Disadvantaged Areas

Abstract

One of the numerous variables that could help a person succeed is education. Many students strive diligently and persevere in their academic pursuits to support themselves financially, wherein one common strategy is working while studying. Working college students have become the trend for those financially struggling. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, this qualitative study is meant to serve as a chronicle in exploring the essence of the participants’ lived experiences. It aimed to understand the significance of these lived experiences. In-depth interviews were undertaken to gather a dense collection of data. Seven significant themes came to light: personality and behavior, work environment, financial support, support systems, challenges encountered, opportunities gained, and hopes and aspirations perceived. Additionally, the findings showed that the conversation partners overcame challenges in various ways with determination and persistence. The researchers also presented a program plan for college student assistants. It will be endorsed to the Director of the Scholarship Program in a private university in Negros Occidental to help as a baseline for the participants’ holistic formation.