From Province to City: An Autoethnographic Study on the Growth and Life Decisions of Jobeth Jhon Dinglasan

This autoethnographic study explores the lived experiences of a young provincial Filipino who migrated from Masbate to Manila in pursuit of quality education. It delves into the emotional, social, and cognitive growth of the researcher through life transitions, using Elder’s (1994) Life Course Theory and McAdams’ (2001) Narrative Identity Theory as theoretical frameworks. Through journals, reflexive narratives, and self-interviews, five themes emerged: education as a driver of migration, urban adaptation, resistance amidst pressure, identity formation as a provincial youth, and hope and affirmation. The study recommends autoethnography as a powerful methodology to center marginalized voices in discourses on education and identity.