Voices of Student Assistants in Higher Education
Keywords:
student assistants, lived experiences, challenges, responsibilities, supportAbstract
Working while studying has become a common strategy for students to cope with the increasing financial demands of higher education. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, in particular, often seek employment as student assistants to sustain their college education. This study explored the lived experiences of student assistants in a Catholic educational institution in Bacolod City, focusing on how they navigate the dual responsibilities of academic life and institutional work. A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed to capture the participants’ subjective experiences. Five student assistants were purposively selected as conversation partners and provided rich, firsthand accounts of their daily realities. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method of thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged from the findings: the struggles of student assistants, resilience through adaptation and support, and holistic growth through responsibility and purpose. The results revealed that student assistants encounter significant challenges, including heavy workloads, rigid schedules, and difficulties balancing academic and work commitments. Despite these challenges, strong psychosocial support from supervisors, peers, and family members enabled them to cope effectively and adjust to their roles. Moreover, the student assistantship experience fostered personal, professional, and spiritual growth, equipping participants with essential skills and resilience that prepare them for future workplace realities.
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