CHAPTER 1

The Problem and Its Setting

Introduction

Senior High School students, choosing their career path is a crucial decision that

carries significant weight for their future. It not only determines their professional

journey but also shapes their sense of self and purpose. As adolescents tackle the

intense growth of their physical, emotional, and mental states, they are also juggling

the added stressors of Senior high school, increased responsibilities, and the desire

for autonomy. Navigating this complex landscape demands careful contemplation

and support to empower students to make well-informed choices that align with their

ambitions and beliefs.

It is crucial to comprehend the career aspirations of senior students in order to

effectively guide them through the transition from Senior high school to further

education and work. This is because parental influence and the pursuit of

independence can heavily impact students during this pivotal time in their lives.

While some students may readily accept their parents' decisions for their future, it is

paramount for both parents and students to carefully consider all of the influencing

factors when making career plans.

Education has long been recognized as a key component of U.S. educational

system, beginning with policies such as the Smith-Hughes Act of (1917). Despite the

prevalence of academic arts education in schools, vocational programs remained

effectively constant demonstrate to students and prepare them for academic success

and career readiness. By providing education that matches student interests and

labor market demands, entrepreneurship education not only fosters student

engagement and potential, but also meets the central goal of the educational system

in the United States around.

According in americans believe high school graduates possess the skills

necessary for career success Gewertz (2018). These views remained consistent

across demographic groups, with younger participants expressing clear concerns

about grooming Gewertz (2018). Several states, including Florida, Georgia, and

Mississippi, have initiated vocational preparation programs in public schools, albeit

with different structures and goals (Lakes & Burns, 2012; Mokher, Leeds, & Harris,

2018; Walker , Hillesheim , & Coley , 2015 ). Despite the extensive research on

career readiness at the college level, there are significant in understanding of how

U.S. education is conducted.

In the Philippines, senior high school students are heavily influenced by their own

interests, family support, and peer pressure when considering career choices. While

teachers have little influence, parental guidance plays an important role in shaping

their decisions. The choice of (SHS) threads together with the development of

technical and emotional skills greatly affects students’ performance and career paths

Despite these factors, students often struggle with difficult educational choices

across diverse challenges and resources in a competing former. Nyamwange (2016)

pointed out that students’ current status, talents, abilities and academic achievement

play an important role in their career decisions, making it a complex task that

requires careful consideration, especially in times of uncertainty like an epidemic.

According to the research In Phillipines, Their career choices are influenced by

financial considerations, as they must pay for family expenses. Many studies have

found that factors like fitness, life circumstances, and academic achievement all play

a role in career choices (Kazi, A. S., & Akhlaq, A. 2017). Students' career choices will
impact the remainder of their lives. Students' career choices were influenced by their

grades, ages, personal interests, and experiences, among other factors, and it was

through their educational experiences that these students determined what they

wanted to accomplish in their future careers (Quinter et al., 2011).

In Davao City Suyao, (2013) the Regional Career Advocacy Congress, aimed at

the between available jobs and the skills of Senior high school and college students,

and job seekers. This program provided guidance on the importance of navigating

the challenges of the 21st century job. The role of teachers and mentors in young

people was emphasized, and the need for full support in preparing for the challenges

of the workforce was emphasized. However according to Agcopra, (2009) described

a particular school in Davao City. The lower than average mathematics learning

capacity, a situation reminiscent of the challenges faced by the researcher’s affiliated

school. These challenges are of particular importance for older students. Some

observations such as these emphasize the importance of addressing educational

deficits and empowering students to succeed as academic professionals, aligning

their aspirations with professional requirements .

That the low educational attainment of students by Ramento, (2011) in Davao is

due to inadequate salaries, forcing students to use work and study. As a result, those

facing financial difficulties devote more time to work, which suffers from academic

performance and lower grades. This particular need to address economic factors to

enhance educational outcomes in the region.

 Explore students living emotionally with single parents, their coping strategies

and perceptions of available support systems. The experiences of these students to

shed light on their unheard of challenges and coping strategies. Additionally, sharing

findings with students, teachers, and parents is intended to increase awareness and

provide a deeper understanding of the unique circumstances of students living with

single parents. This comprehensive understanding is consistent with the overarching

goal of understanding the diverse needs of high school students and supporting them

as they make important decisions about their career aspirations. Furthermore,

investigating the factors influencing career choice and the relationship between

academic achievement and career aspirations among senior high school students

contributes to this goal, providing insight into the multiple influences a it organizes

students’ career paths.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to delve into adult high school

students’ experiences of their career aspirations and academic achievement in

relation to family dynamics. By examining students’ unique challenges, coping

strategies, and insights, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding

of how famil The y influence shapes students’ career trajectories and educational

outcomes.

Students. will benefit from this study as it sheds light on the role of family

dynamics in shaping their career aspirations and academic achievement. By sharing

 their experiences, they contribute to a shared understanding that can empower them

to successfully navigate their educational journey.

Single parents. will gain insight into their children's thoughts and desires so

that they can provide better help and guidance. Understanding their children’s career

goals and academic struggles can improve parent-child communication and help

parents better meet their children’s educational needs.

Teachers. The teachers will also learn and benefit from this study because it shows

them the possible experiences of their students who are in a single parent

household. They will be able to comprehend their student’s way of thinking and also

manage their students' attitude in different circumstances.

Research Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the career aspirations of senior high

school students, examining the factors affecting their career choices and examining

the relationship between academic performance and career preferences with

parents:

● Explore the career aspirations of senior high students.

● To examine the factors influencing the career choices of senior high students.

● To relationship between academic performance and career aspirations among senior

high students.