Challenges of Student-mothers in the Tertiary Education of University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA

Abstract

This paper utilized phenomenological qualitative research to determine the lived experiences of ten students who are also mothers in pursuing their college education. The participants were identified using purposive sampling. The participants were screened using the following inclusion criteria: enrolled in any bachelor’s degree and had one or more children. The researcher used an informal interview as tool in gathering the data. Five themes emerged from the participants’ data: the meaning of a woman and a mother, becoming young mothers, the importance of fulfilling their dreams, the challenges and difficulties they faced in their studies, and the effect of schooling in their life. All   participants believed that women are strong in facing the adversities in life. On the other hand, mothers to the participants need not depend on men to support their children. The participants also likened the word mother to love and sacrifice. The lived experiences of these student-mothers won my admiration for they live their life to the fullest by becoming good mothers at the same time good students.