Field Simulations in Progress: Exploring the Challenges of Academic Track Senior High School Students During Community Engagements

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived challenges, coping strategies, and insights of Senior High School students in the Academic Track during their community engagement activities. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological research design to understand the participants’ experiences better. The participants of this study were ten Academic Track students engaged in community activities at Polomolok National High School for the school year 2024–2025. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes in their responses. Based on the results, the challenges encountered by the students included struggles in transportation access, lack of clarity and coordination, task overload, communication breakdowns, difficulty in sustaining motivation, and feelings of being overwhelmed while completing tasks. Moreover, the strategies used by the students involved preparedness through collaboration, prioritization and time management, collaborative problem solving, adaptability, and teamwork. Further, the insights gained highlighted personal growth and confidence, empowerment through teamwork, and purpose-driven career aspirations. The findings imply that strong institutional support and collaborative environments are essential to help students overcome challenges and maximize learning outcomes effectively and efficiently.