What is the Greatest Challenge That Students Face Today?

Being a student today is like navigating through a complex city. There are different paths to travel, whether through the main road, the arterial roads, or even the alleys.

Being faced with such an important part of their lives at such a young age can be overwhelming for some students. Students may carry on too much work between attending classes, doing their homework, managing extracurricular activities, and keeping up with their personal lives. The difficulties of achieving academic success while maintaining a healthy personal life are challenging for many students.

Pinpointing the Greatest Challenge

Pinpointing the single greatest challenge students face could be difficult. It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, as individual experiences and circumstances play a major role in discerning the challenges. 

It is continually changing, and impacted by societal, economic, and other factors. What may appear to be the most difficult obstacle to one student may be very different for another, based on their specific circumstances and experiences – it’s a case-to-case basis.

However, by exploring some of the most common issues students encounter, we could get a deeper understanding of the landscape they navigate and identify ways to better support them.

Here are 4 possible challenges that students might encounter:

1. Mental Health and Well-being

One of the challenges students face is the state of their mental health and well-being. It’s difficult to define exactly which aspects contribute significantly, but below are a few problems that affect students’ mental health.

• Academic Pressure
  The pressure to perform well academically can lead to intense anxiety, stress, and feelings of inadequacy. This can be further exacerbated by factors like standardized testing, competitive college admissions, and the fear of failure.
• Social Media and Technology
  While technology offers numerous benefits, constant exposure to social media can lead to feelings of isolation, comparison, and low self-esteem. The blurring of lines between personal and academic life can also contribute to difficulties in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Financial Strain
  The rising cost of education and increased living expenses can create significant financial burdens for students. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and even the difficult decision to forgo educational opportunities due to financial constraints.
• Personal Life
  Academic pressures and personal issues inside their homes can impact students’ mental health, leading to rising rates of depression and anxiety. The stigma around mental health can hinder students from seeking help, worsening their situation.
  
  Our previous blog “How Do Family Problems Affect Students in The Philippines?” mentioned the importance of students’ mental health to their overall academic performance and well-being:

“Family problems impact more than one aspect of students’ lives, but it has a substantial effect on their mental health condition. The emotional toll of witnessing family disputes, experiencing financial stress, or enduring the strain of broken relationships can be overwhelming for young minds…. Mental health is crucial for academic success. When family problems disrupt the emotional well-being of students, it becomes a formidable barrier to their educational journey. In the Philippines, there is a growing recognition of the need to address mental health concerns among students, with initiatives aimed at providing counseling services and creating a supportive environment within educational institutions.”

2. Time Management and Organization

Balancing academic workload with extracurricular activities, work, and personal life can be overwhelming. Students often struggle to effectively manage their time, leading to feelings of being stretched thin and difficulty meeting deadlines. Another factor that could affect time management is the prevalence of distractions online, including social media, messaging platforms, and online entertainment, which can hinder the ability to focus and prioritize tasks. Procrastination can further exacerbate these challenges, leading to last-minute cramming and increased stress levels.

3. Academic Support and Resources

Not all students have equal access to quality education and resources. Factors like socioeconomic background, geographical location, and access to technology can create disparities in learning opportunities and academic support. Teacher shortages and overcrowded classrooms also play a factor in this. This can limit students’ access to personalized attention and support. This can make it difficult for students to receive the specific guidance and assistance they need to thrive academically.

4. Finding Purpose and Direction

Choosing a career path can be daunting for students. They may face pressure to choose a specific field based on societal expectations or financial considerations, leading to confusion and feelings of uncertainty about their future.

How Can You Lend a Helping Hand

In addressing the challenges students encounter today, it’s important to have an understanding of the situation they’re currently facing, and then figure out solutions on how to mitigate these challenges.

Additionally, supporting organizations dedicated to addressing educational challenges, such as initiatives like My Dream in a Shoebox, can provide vital resources and guidance, further nurturing an environment where students feel supported in overcoming obstacles and realizing their full potential.

By donating to MDIAS, you directly contribute to and mitigate some of the challenges students face. Your support enables them to excel in their education, empowering them to overcome these challenges.

Here are some ways you can assist students by donating to My Dream in a Shoebox:

• Dream Kits, which contain school supplies and tools that will provide them with the necessary resources to further their education.

• Educational Hubs (E-Hubs) supply an adopted school community with functional laptop computers, a reliable internet connection, and printing equipment.

• Support a scholar’s education for one year and provide them with much-needed support to help them pursue their education.

By working together, we can all empower students to fulfill their full potential and create a brighter future for us all. Get involved, change lives, and pledge your support today!