It is officially summer and not all students are planning lazy days by the lake, and endless nights playing video games.
There are more students in the community that work at local stores and restaurants than most people know. The Wildkat community gets to see students involved in different organizations pursue the work field as they begin their time off from school.
“I love working at Whataburger,” senior Zack Issacks said. “ I’m going to spend my summer doing what I do now, working to save money for my future.”
Students are moving up in their jobs as well as being active during the summer, which most will just lay around the house, not being productive. Jobs allow students to find another foundation to pursue while out of school.
“I work at Cracker Barrel, and that’s what I’m doing during the summer,” junior Ryan Speights said. “I’m a host, but will become a waiter next month. It’s not too hard of a job, it keeps me busy and not being lazy around the house and I do meet a lot of cool people.”
Having a job enables students to rely on themselves for income rather than their parents, which sparks growth in the youth.
“I’ve always liked working and having a job during the summer,” junior Byron Rocha said. “During the summer we have a lot of free time to take advantage of it, so I try to work a lot. I try to earn money for myself instead of relying on my parents.”
A job means responsibility and when teenagers make that decision for themselves to work they are heading in the right direction of adulthood.
“I’m working forty hours a week through the entire summer at Home Depot,” junior David Ramos said. “It’s not the hardest job in the world but it’s definitely going to keep me occupied for the next three months.”
It’s not about listening to parents or teachers anymore, but about being a mature young adult in the workforce. Duties must be done to get the job done.
“Basically, what I do all day is keep the shelves stocked full, help people load their purchases into their vehicle and help customers around the store,” Ramos said. “It’s a lot of walking, lifting, and teamwork, so I’ll be extra busy this summer.”
Jobs allow students to pay for their college classes for the incoming semester this fall. The more hours the more money that comes in.
“Working during the summer and this time off from school has allowed me to make more money than I would have originally because I had significantly more time on my hands,” junior Danae Lesner said. “I plan to put that money towards my DC classes for next year.”
The youth is kept out of trouble when they work. It gives them something to do during the time they are not in school so they don’t have to get caught up in any issues outside of school.
“Though it’s pretty fun working, the truth is the more students who work it allows them to make money, which also keeps a lot of them out of trouble,” Speights said. “Keeping them occupied on the job is really good during their off time.”
