Students discuss the benefits of summer jobs

By Fayezon Dowd and Kristina Rice Opinions Writers The below portion of the story is by Fayezon Dowd

As summer gets closer, students at Crete High School are starting to think about how they will spend their break. While some plan to relax or hang out with friends, others are getting ready to start working. For many students, summer jobs are a good way to earn money, gain experience, and stay busy while school is out.

culver's is known for hiring teenagers, it's a job that teens can go to after school and on weekends. They pay minimum wage and give raises every few months. Photo Taken By Laron Mccollum

Many teens want to make extra money to help their families or save for things they want. Others see summer jobs as a way to prepare for life after high school. Whether working in a grocery store, helping at a daycare, or making food at a fast-food restaurant, Crete students are finding jobs that fit their goals.

One student who’s starting his first job this summer is sophomore Avion Guffie. He got hired at a grocery store where he’ll be working as a cashier. He said he’s looking forward to learning new things and helping out at home.

“I wanted to help my mom and save up for some stuff I want,” Avion said. “I think it’s going to help me learn how to manage my time and talk to people better.”

For Avion, working over the summer means gaining more independence. He knows it won’t always be easy, but he thinks it will be a good experience. He’s especially excited to learn how to handle money and talk to customers.

Not every student is looking for the same kind of job. Sophomore Natasia Harris chose a job that connects with something she already enjoys — working with kids. She’s going to spend her summer helping out at a daycare.

“I like being around little kids,” Natasia said. “At the daycare, I’ll be helping with activities and making sure everyone stays safe. I think it will be fun and help me if I want to be a teacher someday.”

For Natasia, this job isn’t just about money. She sees it as a step toward her future. She said working with children will teach her to be more patient and responsible, and she’s excited to try something new.

Other students, like junior Mariel Taylor, already have some experience working summer jobs. Last year, Mariel worked at a fast-food restaurant. Even though it was hard at first, she’s returning again this summer because she learned a lot.

“Last summer was my first job, and I didn’t know what to expect,” Mariel said. “It was tiring, and sometimes customers were rude, but I got used to it. Now I feel more confident.”

Mariel said that working taught her how to handle pressure, solve problems, and be part of a team. She even helps train new workers now, which makes her feel proud of how far she’s come.

As summer gets closer, more Crete students will start jobs like these. Some will be learning new things for the first time, while others will return to jobs they had before. Even though working can be hard, many students say it helps them grow and feel more prepared for the future.

So, while some teens might be sleeping in or going on vacation, students like Avion, Natasia, and Mariel will set alarms, put on uniforms, and learn lessons that will stick with them long after summer ends. The below portion of the story is by Kristina Rice

By Kristina Rice

Opinions Writer

Summer jobs can help students gain teamwork, communication, time management, and work experience, which can help them grow in many ways. Students share their opinions on summer jobs in general, jumping into all things related to them and sharing their experiences and benefits.

“I think summer jobs are good for teenagers because they give them responsibility, and it can be a benefit because it can get them into that mindset to take things seriously,” Deja Cooke said.

Cooke states that student jobs can be healthy for students, giving them responsibility and maybe putting them in a more mature mindset.

“You could balance a summer job with other activities by not going past certain times, managing your time, planning, and staying organized always,” Makiyah Western said.

“You can just use your time wisely, making sure your activities don’t ever get in the way of your job and stay focused. Maybe take breaks to organize and keep everything balanced,” Christina Hicks said.

Students say to balance your summer job and activities to stay organized, manage your time, always stay focused, prioritize your important activities, and make enough time for them. 

“Having a summer job can affect your future career or education. It can have an effect because you can get work experience, learn how to talk to people and communicate, and maybe save for school. And I don’t think it could have such a huge effect in a bad way because if you’re just a student with a summer job, it actually can help with paying for school or saving to invest in maybe a small business or anything because having a job as just a student with small responsibilities, it can be a good thing,” Western said.

“Having a summer job can be really stressful and affect students who are active in some or a lot of activities because they have to balance a lot of things just as a high school student,” Hicks said.

Some students say summer jobs can affect education or future jobs. It can be affected by saving for an education or investment. At the same time, other students agree it’s completely effective because students who may participate in various or some activities may be too worn out or burned out trying to balance a job to maybe save for anything or invest with so little time.