Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of at-promise students during the COVID-19 Pandemic and understand the perceived influence that mindfulness practice had on their resiliency. Based on the literature, at-promise students have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing academic challenges from remote learning, financial instability, and health concerns. Methodology. A qualitative phenomenological design was used to effectively capture the lived experience of at-promise students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nine at-promise students from a small liberal arts institution were interviewed for the study. Participants were chosen based on certain criteria. The researcher conducted one-on-one, semi-structured Zoom interviews to explore the lived experiences of at-promise students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted at-promise college students' educational experience, financial stability, and their mental and personal well-being. Findings showed that mindfulness practice has a positive influence on the four personal competencies associated with resiliency. The themes were explained and supported by statements gathered from the Zoom interviews. Conclusions. The study revealed all participants felt a positive impact when implementing mindfulness practice into their personal life. Findings from the study concluded that mindfulness practice has a positive influence on the four personal competencies associated with resiliency on at-promise students. Findings also revealed the significance of mindfulness practice before classroom in participants ability to focus and be present for instructions, it also helped them remain optimistic and hopeful, significantly impacting their resiliency and ability to persist. Recommendations. The following are recommendations for further study or replication of this study: (a) increase the sample sized by expanding the scope of location or type of institution, and (b) COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing crisis and researchers should continue assessing the implication that COVID-19 will have on the lives of at-promise population.