ISSN: 2782-893X
eISSN: 2799-0664
ISSN: 2782- 893X
— Poverty and education are deeply interconnected, with financial hardships often hindering students from accessing quality education. Despite these challenges, some students in remote areas exhibit remarkable perseverance, enduring long daily walks (gutos) to attend school. This study explored the hopes, dreams, fears, challenges, experiences, resilience, and coping mechanisms of an orphaned student facing such adversities. Using a narrative inquiry approach, data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, with follow-up questions for clarification. Findings revealed that the participant remains determined to complete her education despite facing long and exhausting commutes, insufficient meals, extreme weather conditions, and financial struggles. Her resilience demonstrates the strength of students in similar circumstances, emphasizing the role of motivation, family support, and self-determination in overcoming adversity. This study underscores the need for stronger support systems for orphaned and indigent students. It recommends that the Department of Education strengthen community-based assistance, school heads collaborate with local government units and private sectors to provide financial aid, and teachers offer continuous guidance and encouragement. Furthermore, orphaned students are encouraged to develop perseverance and serve as inspirations to others experiencing similar hardships. By addressing these challenges through a multi-sectoral approach, schools and communities can help ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds receive the education they deserve. Keywords — Access to Education, Orphan, Poverty, Long Daily Walks (Gutos)