Baguio— Choosing a senior high school track is not merely about subjects—it is also about dreams, pressure, and the process of discovering one’s identity. For students in the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) track who study at science high schools, the academic journey often feels twice as challenging.
Science high schools are known for their fast-paced learning environment, high academic standards, and competitive culture. What, then, is it like to be an ABM student in such a setting? What challenges do they face, and how do they manage to persevere?
A qualitative study conducted in Baguio City, Philippines, sought to answer these questions by listening directly to the voices of the students themselves.
Science High Schools and ABM: A Demanding Combination
The ABM program is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge in accounting, finance, business, and entrepreneurship. However, when implemented within a science high school, the demands become far more complex.
Students are required not only to master business-related subjects such as Business Finance and Fundamentals of Accountancy, but also to keep up with intensive science courses, numerous assignments, and strict deadlines. Many students reported experiencing both mental and physical exhaustion, especially when multiple deadlines coincided.
Despite these pressures, they persist. Why?
Commitment to Their Choice: “This Is My Path”
One of the key findings of the study is the strong intrinsic motivation among ABM students. Many chose the ABM track because it aligns with their interests and future plans—whether becoming accountants, entrepreneurs, or business professionals.
The awareness that they are on the right path makes the academic burden feel more meaningful. Challenges are no longer seen as obstacles, but as essential steps toward achieving their aspirations.
Coping Strategies amid Academic Pressure
Academic pressure is real, but students do not remain passive. They develop various coping strategies, including:
- Creating realistic study schedules
- Engaging in group study with peers
- Taking short breaks to avoid burnout
- Maintaining a positive mindset
- Providing mutual support among classmates
For these students, peers are a crucial source of strength. Sharing frustrations, studying together, and encouraging one another help make the pressure more manageable.
Learning from Real-Life Experiences: Beyond the Classroom
Some of the most memorable learning experiences for ABM students occur outside the classroom. Activities such as E-Startup Day, entrepreneurship projects, and community engagement programs allow them to:
- Apply theory to real-world contexts
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills
- Enhance communication and problem-solving abilities
Through these activities, students come to realize that learning is not solely about grades, but also about experience and life skills.
Challenges that Shape Character
Interestingly, all participants agreed that challenges—though exhausting—serve as the best teachers. Tight deadlines, team conflicts, and academic setbacks force students to learn about:
- Discipline and responsibility
- Time management
- Mental resilience
- Self-reflection
Many students acknowledged that their experiences in the ABM track have made them more mature and better prepared for higher education and the professional world.
The Role of Teachers and the School Environment
Teacher support plays a significant role in students’ perseverance. Teachers who are approachable, willing to mentor, and able to provide adequate learning resources help students navigate difficult periods. A school environment that allows reflection and experiential learning makes the educational process more humane and meaningful.
Conclusion: ABM as a Journey of Growth
The stories of ABM students in science high schools are not merely about academic pressure, but also about perseverance, collaboration, and personal growth. They learn that success does not come without effort, and that challenges are an essential part of the journey.
This study reminds us that behind grades, numbers, and curricula, there are young individuals striving to understand themselves—and their future.
Author
Jojo Ivan D. Inuguidan
Ifugao State University, Lamut, Philippines
Journal Source
East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR)
Vol. 5 No. 1, 2026
Journal Link: https://mtiformosapublisher.org/index.php/eajmr
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