TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS IN MAINTAINING ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP: A MULTIPLE-CASE STUDY

Authors

  • Desiree S. Maloloy-On Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, General Santos City, Philippines
  • Jocelyn S. Jimenez EdD, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, General Santos City, Philippines
  • Mark Paul D. Nitafan LPT, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, General Santos City, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v13i5.6639

Keywords:

education, academic scholarship, student resilience, coping strategies, case study

Abstract

This qualitative multiple case study explored the trials and triumphs of college students in maintaining academic scholarships at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges in General Santos City. The study aimed to understand the lived experiences of scholars as they balanced academic demands, personal responsibilities, and financial limitations. Three third-year academic scholars from different colleges, Arts and Sciences, Teacher Education, and Engineering and Technology participated in the study. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed to identify key themes. Findings revealed nine emergent themes: balancing pressure and perseverance, juggling duties and expectations, sustaining success through strategies, building habits for success, time management and support, growth beyond academics, and lessons in lifelong discipline. These scholars shared how they developed coping strategies such as goal-setting, time management, peer support, and self-reflection to overcome pressures and maintain strong academic performance. The results emphasized the value of emotional resilience, mentor guidance, and support systems in sustaining academic achievement. This study contributes to the understanding of student experiences and offers insights for institutions and scholarship providers in creating holistic support mechanisms. Ultimately, it highlights that perseverance, discipline, and personal growth play a vital role in achieving academic success.

Author Biographies

  • Desiree S. Maloloy-On, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, General Santos City, Philippines

    Desiree Santiago Maloloy-on is a Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) student at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges of General Santos City and an academic scholar. She has consistently demonstrated academic excellence as a Dean’s Lister, honor student, and student leader while overcoming financial challenges throughout her educational journey. Her academic and research interests include educational psychology, student motivation, academic stress, resilience, and the lived experiences of scholarship recipients in higher education. She is particularly inclined toward qualitative research approaches that foreground the voices of marginalized and underrepresented student populations. Through her research engagement and involvement in academic and institutional activities, she aspires to contribute meaningful insights that support inclusive, compassionate, and student-centered educational policies and practices.

  • Jocelyn S. Jimenez, EdD, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, General Santos City, Philippines

    Jocelyn Jimenez is a co-author of this study and an educator with experience in academic instruction, research mentoring, and student development. Her scholarly interests include educational research, learner support systems, and inclusive teaching practices. She contributed significantly to the conceptualization of the study, the refinement of the research framework, and the critical review of the manuscript. Her guidance strengthened the theoretical grounding and methodological coherence of the research, ensuring its alignment with ethical and academic standards.

  • Mark Paul D. Nitafan, LPT, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, General Santos City, Philippines

    Paul Nitafan is a co-author of this research and has been actively involved in academic supervision, research validation, and scholarly writing. His professional interests focus on educational assessment, research methodology, and the improvement of teaching and learning practices in higher education. He provided substantial input in the development of the study design, data interpretation, and overall manuscript refinement. His contributions helped ensure the clarity, rigor, and relevance of the research, particularly in addressing issues related to student well-being and academic scholarship.

References

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Published

2026-04-06

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 5 (2026)

Section

Articles

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