TROJANS AT WORK: Part 2
Several part-time senior workers give us their insight on their current employment opportunities.
High school on its own is a difficult time for students to learn how to manage social skills, academic success, and time management. Yet, in many cases some students take the extra step to find employment to fill their after school schedules. Following The Odyssey’s first run of Trojans At Work, our staff spoke with six more student workers to get their experience on balancing school, home-life, and work. Here’s Part 2:
Megan Bock (Class of 2019)
Senior Megan Bock has worked at Applebee’s in Yucca Valley for over a year and works twenty or more hours a week. She has worked as a host and will be promoted to carside service soon. Megan balances her time between working, maintaining grades while also enrolled in AP classes, and serving as senator for the YV Litty Committee.
“I love being somewhat independent and being surrounded by wonderful people.” — Megan on independence at work
Independence is something all high school students are reaching to grasp as quickly as they can, and having a job can do just that. Though given more opportunity for freedom, Megan advises students to keep in mind that with a job comes sacrifices. “I would honestly recommend not [joining] a sport..it is so exhausting trying to balance everything out in general, so adding a sport on top of that would be hectic.”
Megan is a great example to students looking for part-time employment, as she has learned how to successfully manage her time between commitments.
“I balance school and work by using a calendar and writing down which days I work and when I have to do homework.”
Alex Courtney (Class of 2019)
As a weekend worker at McDonald’s, and president of True Colors, the Gay-Straight Alliance at Yucca Valley High School, senior Alex Courtney enjoys their time at and outside of school.
“I love earning money to spend on whatever I want. Money makes the world go round.”
Alex works roughly twenty hours a week working towards their post- high school goals. They plan to study Business and Journalism at UCR, while continuing to work a part-time job.
“Make your previous commitments a priority. Work is last, school is first.” — Alex on the importance of prioritizing commitments
Alex also gives us insight on what it is like working with fellow peers who also attend Yucca Valley High School. “It’s definitely weird getting to see [classmates] in a different setting than school and the world outside. Working with them has a completely different feel.”
Sarah Rodriguez (Class of 2019)
AP student, founding Journalism Club member, and participant in many more activities, senior Sarah Rodriguez also holds employment at Jack in The Box in Yucca Valley. Having been an employee since July 2018, and working anywhere from 28–35 hours a week, she can let us in on her experience as a student worker.
“It was really difficult at first, [and] still is challenging. I try [to] plan ahead and allow myself more time to complete assignments by doing them sooner. I find myself utilizing my days off more, and doing schoolwork whenever I get a chance.” — Sarah on how to manage time efficiently
Sarah is not only active in her work field — she also volunteers in extra curricular activities, such as Key Club and Student Ambassadors. She does her best to give back to her school and community when not at work. She tells us what keeps her positive through a stressful day at work: “I like my coworkers. I feel like all our personalities go really well together and we are able to make long shifts fun.”
“I think [getting a job is] a good idea, especially if you are trying to save [money], but it’s important to keep your priorities straight and value grades/school over work.” — Sarah on high school students thinking of employment
Trevor Wheeler (Class of 2019)
Senior Trevor Wheeler has been employed at Del Taco for several months and currently works an average of thirty-two hours a week. While staying a top employee, Trevor also devotes time to his four Advanced Placement classes, consisting of AP Literature and Composition, AP United States History, AP Calculus AB, and AP Chemistry.
“I’ve missed a lot of [school] days because of work. However, I have managed to utilize school hours more efficiently.” — Trevor on the struggles of having a job
Although always using his time wisely, the stress of school and work together can be quite burdensome. We asked Trevor what makes getting through the work day easier for him. He tells us his coworkers make his time at at work better.
“A lot of [my coworkers] came from the high school, which makes them relatable. They are refreshing faces to see among [other] elderly workers.”
Brody Williams (Class of 2019)
Brody has been a loyal part of the McDonald’s crew since October of 2017. Depending on his school schedule, he works anywhere from 24–48 hours a week. He is also involved the YV Wrestling team, HOSA (future health professionals), and the Mental Awareness Group (MAG) on campus.
“The people I work with are my favorite part of my job. Everyone has helped me grow as a person, and I’ve made some life long friends during my time [at work]… Your coworkers definitely make or break your job.”- Brody on what makes his time at work enjoyable
Being a senior and having a job can have many benefits. Those including extra spending money, assistance for college savings, and experience before entering the “real world’.
“[I’m] able to live my last year of high school freely. I have the money to support anything I decide to do [during] my senior year, all the way from eating out, [to] gas, to road trips with the boys.” — Brody on the benefits of employment
Brody spent his last day at work on April 23, and now plans to close out senior year strong in his studies.
Garret Zartler (Class of 2019)
Senior Garret Zartler has just recently began working part-time at Del Taco in Yucca Valley. As an AP student also participating in Copper Mountain College’s Dual Enrollment program, Garret has had to learn how to manage his time efficiently while working 22 to 28 hours a week.
“The main goal [my job]is fulfilling is less about paying for things like my car and entertainment, but I’m being the most productive I can be while utilizing a lot of time.” — Garret on his goals at work
We asked Garret if he had any advice for students thinking about getting a job during high school. He lists the following specific suggestions:
1. “Know your rights as a student-worker, particularly if you are under 18.
2. “Unless your job is vital to your success, be confident and stand your ground. Don’t let your employer use you more than the maximum that your job requires.
3. Be prepared for the worst, so you can be pleasantly surprised when things don’t [go]as bad as you imagined.”
After taking a peek into the lives of these six YVHS seniors, working part-time doesn’t seem too shabby. By providing the excitement of earning your own cash, helping you achieve a goal, or even just keeping you busy to pass the time, working during high school can be a valuable experience for any student.
