Unveiling the Lifeworld of Campus Journalists in a Public Secondary School

This transcendental phenomenological study investigates the lived experiences of the writers in campus journalism, focusing on their lifeworld, contextual experiences, and future self-perception. Twelve high school journalists from Bagumbayan National High School were purposively sampled for semi-structured interviews. Through thematic analysis, the study identified 13 emerging themes: five captured the participants' lifeworld- navigating dual responsibilities, shaping professional identity, guiding hands influence, ethical investigative challenges, and mastering journalistic craftsmanship; seven reflected the contexts of their lived experiences, such as holistic journalism growth, ethical journalism impact, journalism's competitive edge, transformative journalism journey, relentless truth-seeking journalism, journalism-life harmony, and path of journalistic discovery; and one encompassed their future self-perception, highlighting strategic career and passion exploration. The findings revealed that the lived experiences of the writers in campus journalism revolve around skill development, ethical awareness, and career exploration, shaped by academic pursuits, competitive challenges, and mentorship, ultimately influencing their professional identity and future career paths. This study offers a framework for understanding student journalism's unique challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the need for targeted training programs that support their holistic development. Future research should explore the long-term impact of campus journalism on students' career trajectories and adaptability.