This qualitative multiple case study explored the trials and triumphs of college students in maintaining academic scholarships at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges in General Santos City. The study aimed to understand the lived experiences of scholars as they balanced academic demands, personal responsibilities, and financial limitations. Three third-year academic scholars from different colleges, Arts and Sciences, Teacher Education, and Engineering and Technology participated in the study. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed to identify key themes. Findings revealed nine emergent themes: balancing pressure and perseverance, juggling duties and expectations, sustaining success through strategies, building habits for success, time management and support, growth beyond academics, and lessons in lifelong discipline. These scholars shared how they developed coping strategies such as goal-setting, time management, peer support, and self-reflection to overcome pressures and maintain strong academic performance. The results emphasized the value of emotional resilience, mentor guidance, and support systems in sustaining academic achievement. This study contributes to the understanding of student experiences and offers insights for institutions and scholarship providers in creating holistic support mechanisms. Ultimately, it highlights that perseverance, discipline, and personal growth play a vital role in achieving academic success.
Maloloy-On et al. (2026) studied this question.