“Motherhood and Studenthood”: A Case Study of Senior High School Student-Mothers

The study aimed to explore the case of senior high school student-mothers. The case study method utilized Thematic Analysis to analyze and interpret data collected through in-depth interviews, focused group discussions, and field observations. The study included eight (8) senior high school participants, who were selected purposively. Four themes and eleven sub-themes were generated, including challenges faced by student-mothers, student-mothers' coping mechanisms, motivations for continuing education, and recommended school policies for student-mothers. Under Theme 1, the following sub-themes were generated: taking a dual role, financial constraints, and lack of trust and support from family. Under Theme 2, the following sub-themes were generated: family members as children’s caregivers, doing extra jobs, good time management, and setting priorities. Under Theme 3, the following sub-themes were generated: a better future and an opportunity to support the family, to achieve one’s dream, and life lessons. For Theme 4, the following sub-themes were generated: financial and scholarship programs and enabling environment. It was concluded that student-mothers faced many challenges, yet they were able to hurdle those challenges. Still, they wish for assistance from the government to fund their studies. Also, a conducive learning environment where everyone understands their unique case and provides due consideration to them.