THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction “To be able to walk into the doors of a college class is not only an honor, but also an achievement. Choosing to pursue a degree in higher education is not a choice that is taken lightly. From the time we speak our first words to the time we wake up from our first kindergarten to when we receive that family and the world around us, is preparing us for the final exam known as college. This is the make or break point for many people and what polishes them up for the career of their choice” (Alicia Holman, 2010).
College is only a glimpse of the real world. It is a transition stage wherein one is given the opportunity to learn more about oneself, explore possibilities, and broaden one’s horizon. Students learn to relate well and manage people, work in teams, and hone their skills and develop their ability to its maximum potential. Researchers acknowledge the growing recognition that today’s students in higher education are confronted with more demands and pressures (Pabiton, 2007). Likewise, Neville, Happner & Wang (1997), noted that most students, University/College life is usually considered a time when young adults struggle with newly found freedom and deal with developmental tasks of interpersonal relationships as well as academic concerns Attending college is indeed a preparation to the actual work that one must experience. It is a journey that young people need to undertake in order to be ready to face the challenges of life. It is one of the developmental tasks that they must overcome successfully; hence to be successful in this area will lead them to series of success in life. Education and multiple skills enhancement have become the principal vehicles in the creation of sustainable advantage in the competitive world market.
Poor academic performance has been implicated as one of the major factors for adolescents to have poor self-esteem (Call et al, 1990, cited by Isaac et