Imagine waking up early, going to eight different classes a day, with different teachers, assignments, homework, tests and expectations, on top of that imagine heading off to work after school.

While some students participate in sports, organizations, and clubs, students that choose to work after school spend their days managing responsibilities, time and priorities. And the hard work pays off.

Senior Priscilla Vela has been working for two months at Whataburger and says working is beneficial.

“I have more motivation to complete the things I need to do. My grades are improving,” Vela said.

Working teaches students independence and time management.

“I’m less dependent on my parents now, but I have to do homework in very little time and it requires a lot of planning,” Vela said.

Senior Isabel Gonzalez works at the front desk on campus.

“I have expensive taste. I started to work for my stuff,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez works 19.5 hours a week.

“I still have time to do my homework and assignments. It’s all about the person too, when you’re determined and focused, everything else comes easier,” Gonzalez said.

Working is not all fun and games.

“I used to have lunch with my friends, and now I have lunch while everyone is in study skills, when students have early release I have to stay all day to work,” Gonzalez said. “Back when I was a full time student, I was into school spirit. Now I just focus in getting my classes and assignments done.”

Some students struggle to manage school and work.

“I work at my parents’ restaurant, they need me,” senior Sebastian Sosa said. “However, it’s really hard to keep up with everything.”

Senior Alejandra Chapa works at Carl’s Jr. and says it is all about time management.

“Now I take advantage of my study skills or if I’m 20 minutes early to work I do my homework and then finish it at night,” Chapa said.

Chapa started working in the summer and has had to make compromises to accommodate her student life.

“I understand what everyone warned me about. It’s hard but it has actually improved my student life, it taught me how to multitask and be responsible,” Chapa said.

In order to manage school and job, something has to give.

“Most of the time when my friends go out I’m at work, I don’t really have a social life anymore,” Chapa said.

Through all the hardships, working and studying is worth it.

“It teaches you to be more mature and responsible, how to handle your money carefully, also getting to spoil yourself and help at home,” Chapa said.