Resilience, Independence, and Struggle: Lived Experiences of College Students from Broken Families

This study explored, portrayed, and understood the impact of broken families on the academic performance of college students from different levels and programs within the College of Education at Jose Rizal Memorial State University-Main Campus, Dapitan City, Philippines. Specifically, the study focused on college students who have experienced at least six years of living in broken families. Six participants from different majors within the College of Education were selected using the Snowball Sampling technique to participate in the study. This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of individuals in broken families. The research highlighted the detrimental effects of parental neglect, which contributed to feelings of abandonment and significantly impacted the emotional well-being of these students. Living in a broken family presented constant challenges as individuals endured pain, trauma, and other mental issues due to their family situation. The mental and physical toll of these experiences was overwhelming, making every aspect of life difficult for them. Furthermore, financial constraints became an additional burden as they often needed to work after school to meet their basic needs, particularly educational expenses. These emotional struggles might have resulted in behavioral problems that hindered their socialization. The findings emphasized the 
importance of a holistic and compassionate approach to supporting students from broken families. Educational institutions and communities must prioritize addressing these young individuals' emotional, financial, and social needs. Creating welcoming and supportive environments that recognized and addressed their unique circumstances and strengths was crucial in helping them reach their full potential and become the best versions of themselves. By offering comprehensive support, we could empower these students to overcome obstacles and thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.