Campus Journalists’ Aspirations and Lived Experiences Amid Limited Media Education Pathways in Samar, Philippine

Abstract

Campus journalism is instrumental in cultivating students’ competencies in writing, reporting, and civic engagement. In the Philippines, campus journalism is institutionalized as both an academic and civic pursuit through a Republic Act. Nevertheless, in Samar province, prospective student journalists encounter structural obstacles, notably the lack of journalism or media-related degree programs in local higher education institutions. This study investigates the lived experiences and aspirations of nine student journalists from basic and tertiary schools in Samar, supplemented by perspectives from two experienced campus journalism mentors. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through open-ended narrative interviews and analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework, with narrative analysis applied to identify individual turning points and processes of meaning-making. Four primary themes emerged: (1) external influences and internal motivations, (2) aspirations and realities in media futures, (3) barriers to accessing journalism education, and (4) adaptive strategies in pursuing media aspirations. The findings indicate that campus journalism supports identity formation, self-expression, and advocacy; however, students’ career ambitions are constrained by limited academic offerings, financial barriers, and geographic isolation. Despite these impediments, students engage with alternative platforms such as school publications, online content creation, and community media to maintain their involvement. The study underscores the necessity for institutional reforms, including the expansion of local journalism programs, provision of scholarships, and enhancement of alternative media platforms to promote equitable access to journalism education and foster youth aspirations.