Abstract
This study explored the lived experiences of students working as fishermen. The research used a phenomenological approach to gather data through in-depth interviews with seven purposively selected senior high school students who have at least three years of fishing experience. The data were analyzed using Creswell's method, which resulted in six themes and several subthemes. The first theme, leading reasons for the toil, identified poverty and the need to pay off family debts as the primary motivations for students to work as fishermen. The second theme, the realities of a student working as a fisherman, highlighted the challenges and physical tolls of the job, such as dangers at the sea, fatigue, and sleep deprivation. The third theme, meddlers of challenges identified friends, parents, and teachers as sources of support and inspiration for the students. The fourth theme, reap of labor, showed that fishing provides financial support for both the family and the working student, and prepares them for the realities of life. The fifth theme, hopes, and aspirations for the future, revealed that some students use their fishing experience to aspire for a professional career in the seafaring industry, while others aim to complete their education for a better future. Lastly, the theme lessons learned from the experience showed that the students developed values of responsibility, resilience, and faith in the Almighty. They also learned the value of hard-earned money and the importance of perseverance.
