Undergraduate Thesis Bachelor of Elementary Education University of Rizal System, Rodriguez, Rizal 2025

This study investigates the lived experiences of Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) students who are raised by solo parents, with a particular focus on the personal, academic, and emotional challenges they encounter throughout their educational journey. Grounded in qualitative research methods, the study employs narrative inquiry and guided interviews to gain deeper insights into how these students navigate life in the absence of a traditional two-parent household. The research seeks to understand how these experiences shape their academic performance, mental health, personal growth, and social relationships.

Findings reveal that BEED students from solo-parent families commonly face financial hardships, emotional distress, and difficulties with time management. Financial limitations often hinder their ability to meet both academic and personal needs, prompting many to seek scholarships, take part-time jobs, and pursue other means of financial support. Emotionally, the absence of one parent contributes to feelings of loneliness, increased household responsibilities, and a lack of guidance and attention. These conditions often lead to elevated stress levels and mental health concems, which can affect academic focus and motivation.

Despite these challenges, the study highlights the remarkable resilience and adaptability displayed by the respondents. Many students utilize proactive strategies such as self-care routines, mindfulness practices, religious faith, and engaging in creative or recreational activities to maintain their mental and emotional well-being Time management tools, including the use of planners, to-do lists, and structured schedules, also play a critical role in helping them balance academic obligations with personal responsibilities. Furthermore, the presence of strong support systems-comprising friends, extended family. mentors, and institutional resources greatly contributes to their ability to overcome difficulties.

The study concludes that while BEED students with solo parents face substantial challenges, their strength, determination, and effective coping strategies enable then to persist and succeed academically. Their stories reflect not only personal growth and maturity but also the importance of social and institutional support in ensuring student success As such, their experiences call attention to the vital role of empathy, inclusivity, and responsive educational systems in addressing the unique needs of students from solo-parent households.academic and personal needs, prompting many to seek scholarships, take part-time jobs, and pursue other means of financial support. Emotionally, the absence of one parent contributes to feelings of loneliness, Increased household responsibilities, and a lack of guidance and attention. These conditions often lead to elevated stress levels and mental health concems, which can affect academic focus and motivation.

Despite these challenges, the study highlights the remarkable resilience and adaptability displayed by the respondents. Many students utilize proactive strategies such as self-care routines, mindfulness practices, religious faith, and engaging in creative or recreational activities to maintain their mental and emotional well-being. Time management tools, including the use of planners, to do lists, and structured schedules, also play a critical role in helping them balance academic obligations with personal responsibilities. Furthermore, the presence of strong support systems-comprising friends, extended family. mentors, and institutional resources greatly contributes to their ability to overcome difficulties

The study concludes that while BEED students with solo parents face substantial challenges, their strength, determination, and effective coping strategies enable them to persist and succeed academically. Their stories reflect not only personal growth and maturity but also the importance of social and institutional support in ensuring student success. As such, their experiences call attention to the vital role of empathy, inclusivity, and responsive educational systems in addressing the unique needs of students from solo-parent households. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that higher education institutions enhance their support services for students in similar situations. This Includes expanding access to financial assistance, providing regular mental health programs, and offering personalized academic counseling. By fostering a more supportive and inclusive learning environment, schools can empower solo-parent students to thrive despite their circumstances, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and compassionate educational landscape.

To further support solo-parent students, higher education institutions should implement comprehensive, family-friendly policies that address their unique needs. This includes providing access to affordable childcare services, establishing dedicated family study areas, and creating flexible class schedules to accommodate parenting responsibilities. Additionally, institutions can offer specialized orientation sessions and peer mentoring programs tailored for student parents, fostering a sense of community and belonging By integrating these supportive measures, colleges and universities can create an inclusive environment that empowers solo-parent students to succeed academically while managing their parental duties.

Moreover, institutions should establish dedicated student-parent resource centers that offer comprehensive support services, including academic advising, financial aid counseling, and parenting workshops. These centers can serve as a centralized hub for solo-parent students to access essential resources and connect with peers facing similar challenges.