Surviving and Thriving: Stories of Single Student-Mothers in Western Visayas, Philippines

Single student mothers face a unique set of challenges as they balance the demands of higher education and motherhood. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of single student mothers enrolled in state universities and private colleges in selected provinces of Western Visayas. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected from 10 participants through interviews utilizing semi-structured questionnaires. The responses were transcribed and analyzed using Colaizzi's method to capture the depth of their experiences. Several superordinate themes emerged from the analysis, including Balancing Roles (BR), Educational Aspirations (EA), Societal Expectations and Stigma (SES), Economic Burden (EB), Psychological Well-being (PWB), and Perceived Meaning (PM). The findings reveal a complex interplay between the challenges these women face and the resilience they demonstrate. Significant pressures are necessitated to be managed by single student-mothers, including the balancing of dual roles, coping with financial hardships, and addressing societal expectations and stigma. Their stories underscore the critical importance of social support in enabling them to thrive both academically and personally. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that universities establish support groups specifically for single student mothers, providing a platform for them to share experiences and strategies in a supportive environment. Additionally, mental health services should be tailored to address their unique needs. The provision of targeted scholarship grants is also recommended to alleviate the financial burden associated with education costs, enabling these women to pursue their academic aspirations with fewer financial constraints.