Formed in Crisis: Values learned by Student Leaders in the Virtual Learning Environment during Pandemic

This study explores the values developed by student leaders in Lasallian higher education institutions (LSHEIs) during the shift to virtual learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It contends that the crisis brought on by the pandemic was a formative experience, leading to growth, development, and the acquisition of important leadership values. The study employed semi-structured interviews with nine student leaders from three LSHEIs in Southern Luzon using a qualitative descriptive approach. The participants were selected based on their active engagement in leadership roles during the pandemic, providing in-depth insights into their experiences. Thematic analysis identified key values developed by these leaders which were essential for dealing with the challenges of student leadership in virtual as well as in hybrid learning environments. The findings emphasize the need to enhance student leadership programs by incorporating mental health support, communication training, ethical decision-making, and fostering open dialogue between student leaders and administration. These insights are crucial for refining educational practices to support the holistic development of student leaders in today’s educational landscape. The study proposes the “3Ps” model—Person, Process, and Principles—as a framework for understanding leadership development in LSHEIs, highlighting personal growth, effective communication and trust-building, and responsibility and ethical leadership.