“Last night was horrible. Three tables. One, six man. Two four mans tables, all full. A guitar player that was in front of my tray stand so I could barley serve my big table. Everyone wanted three drinks. Next year on Valentine’s Day I’m taking it off. They don’t need three drinks.” Senior Brooke Wheeler said.
Wheeler works at Presbyterian Manor as a waitress. She works 4-7 everyday, with the exception of one day off during the week. Many have to make the choice to balance school and work. It’s actually a good idea. It helps the student learn how to balance their time, manage their money, and it gives them an idea on how to the “real world” is.
“The hours aren’t hard, and neither is the work,” Wheeler said. “It’s actually making myself go everyday that’s the problem.”
Having the responsibility to go get a job is something that you will be happy about in the long run. It teaches you the fundamentals of the hard work it takes to enter the job process.
“I’m proud of myself everyday when I come home from work,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler believes being able to just say that you have a job, and make your own money is a big accomplishment.
“Some people say because it is only two hours, that it’s easy,” Wheeler said. “Yes, it is easy, but at least I have a job. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to serve elderly people who can’t cook for themselves.”
Adjusting to something new is always hard, most students have to work their way up to liking the idea. Especially when it’s work. Having a job in high school is something positive that teaches life lessons, depending on what is taken out of it. On the other hand, some students have to have a job to support their families, or themselves.
Lisa Loa, junior, works two jobs, goes to school, and helps support her daughter. She works at Claire’s and Maria’s Mexican Restaurant.
“I can go without sleep, and get through my day but the hardest part is being away from my daughter while working two jobs and doing school,” Loa said. “But, I know I’m doing what’s best for her by working hard and getting an education to succeed and to have money to provide for my family.”
Although, she does get help from her grandma. During the day while Loa is at school, her daughter, Felicity, stays with her grandmother.
“I was raised by taking responsibility for my actions and the only thing my family does is play the family role,” Loa said. “But, she’s my daughter, so I do my part fully. My grandma only watches my daughter. Just emotionally supporting me is all I ask, and that’s what they give. I couldn’t be more thankful.”
Loa realizes all of the help that her family gives her, and she wouldn’t change any of it for the world. She wants to give her daughter have the best life, and she’s working her hardest to give it to her just as every student wants to earn for themselves.
“It’s not as hard as everyone exaggerates it to be,” Loa said. “It’s possible, anything is, if you put your mind to it. You do what you know. You have to do what’s right to have a brighter future.”