School and work, a balancing act

Student employee Caleb Molinar works at the front desk.

Brianna Silva

Student employee Caleb Molinar works at the front desk.

Brianna Silva, Reporter

She’s applied for 15 jobs, it’s been over a month and each time the phone rings she quickly answers, but still no luck.

Many high school students want to work, but don’t realize the struggle it can be to have a job. The whole process of applying until one finally gets a call and dealing with the nerves when they get their first interview can be stressful.

Working and going to school can be a struggle and requires time management. Business classes such as Business Info Management with business CATE teacher Alicia Shaughnessy and Co-op with CATE teacher Gabriela Molina offer students internships that give students time off for work. These classes make it easier to balance school and work with off periods.

Students who work while in high school are more experienced and prepared. It gives them a chance to learn how to manage money. Fast food places are usually where many students work and it can be an even bigger struggle for these students because fast food places close late. Some are open 24 hours so students are likely scheduled to work late.

“I got out at two in the morning one day and I still had to come to school because I can’t miss anymore so I was super tired,” senior Johnathan Torres said. Torres works at Mcdonald’s so his hours vary often.

Some places try to work with school schedules.

“When I work during the week I usually get out at 11 the latest, but on the weekends I have to work graveyard,” senior Clarissa Ortega said. Ortega is an employee at Whataburger. 

Most students do not mind having to work long hours.

“I don’t mind when they put me to work a lot of hours during the week because that means more money for me and most of the time they’ll give me Saturdays off if I worked a lot during the week,” senior Ingrid Garcia said. Garcia works at Whataburger and enjoys her schedule.

Other students struggle with work and school.

“I work late most of the time during the week which sucks because I’m always dead at school, and I’m always rushing to do my homework, but I need money so I just push through,” senior Eddie Trevizo said. Trevizo is an employee at Mcdonald’s and would prefer a different schedule.