What does summer mean for you? For students, it’s freedom from school and endless hours of fun. As you get older, soccer camp turns into sleepaway camp, which then turns into solo trips to the city with friends. One thing that never changes is that summer is a time of independence and freedom from school.
However, for many students, summer means work. Jobs as a lifeguard, camp counselor, ice cream scooper, or busboy are all steps towards becoming an independent adult, both financially and otherwise. A job means not having to rely on parents for spending money, it means getting your first work experience, and most importantly, it makes you feel just a bit more “adult.”
Independence and responsibility are a sweet reward for hard work. Sophomore Paul Vlkovic has worked as a busboy at Darby Road since this past July.
“It definitely made me feel like I had responsibility. It does make you feel mature and independent,” Vlkovic told The Fanscotian. “There is very much a sense of freedom that comes with working anywhere in general.”
Vlkovic plans to keep working into the school year, around extracurriculars and school. He enjoys working, and despite scheduling conflicts, he enjoys his workplace.
“Though there [are] times I can only work weekends, it doesn’t mean [my job] isn’t still a good opportunity, and I would definitely recommend this in general,” Vlkovic said.
Finding a job is not easy; many places do not hire younger teens. During the summertime, demand outpaces supply, when everyone with an open schedule wants to work, but businesses are already fully staffed.
SPFHS junior Caitlyn Meyers ended up going the more familiar route, working at the YMCA, where she had already participated in activities for many years.
“I applied through my boss, who I knew ever since I was a little kid, because I did the aftercare program, where she was the leader. So I knew her really well, and getting the job was easy for me,” Meyers said.
Meyers worked with little kids, but she was the only high schooler among her coworkers.
“It was a little intimidating at first, because I realized I was going to be the youngest. That was a bit difficult, but I was able to make connections,” Meyers said.
Sometimes jobs can be hard, or even boring. Sophomore Brendan Campion worked at an ice cream shop that was open from noon to nine.
”No one really wanted to buy ice cream at 12p.m., so we would just be sitting around until nighttime,” Campion said
Campion worked long shifts, sometimes four or five days a week. That’s a long time to be sitting around bored, but there was an upside according to Campion.
“I figured, if I’m going to be bored, may as well get paid.”
Holding a job is a rewarding experience, a step towards adult life. It’s nice to still be walking around with friends and doing all the things that make life fun. But these students prove you can find a way to be independent and mature, while still enjoying your summer.
