Imagine managing early mornings, late night studying sessions, athletics, and AP classes, all while having a job. Students across campus manage to juggle many things within a day, thus creating an overloaded schedule which could lead to physical and mental exhaustion. All this work is done to fit into the standard of society and prepare for the next stage of life as a young adult.

Junior Ban Mai Nguyen shares her experience navigating through the new environment and benefits of managing her new lifestyle as a full-time student with a job.

“At the beginning, I only wanted a summer job, and then I realized I liked the money coming in,” Nguyen said. “I don’t have to rely on my parents to give me allowance to buy personal items. It makes me feel more independent.”

As the money comes in, the pressure to keep balance between work and school rises. With the rigorous academic expectations and shortened time to focus on school, the mental health of students decrease rapidly.

“I feel stressed because my academics were better before,” junior Maria Malave said. “My physical condition has also  been affected because sometimes I feel really tired, and when I come to school I look like a zombie.”

Difficulties of working as a high schooler are well known to be burdensome, nevertheless Adriana Bertrand shares her positive view when it comes to working and keeping an optimistic attitude while expanding her knowledge.

“When I’m older I’m gonna have to get a job,” Bertrand said.“ Having a job helped me develop communication skills, so I feel prepared for future interviews.” 

Starting this new chapter in life pushes young adults to grow both mentally and physically. Although money might have not been the priority in a student’s life before working, it has expanded to be a necessity.

 “At the end of the day, money’s money,” Bertrand said. “And that’s what I want in life.”