by Monica Smith | staff writer
Every high school student is familiar with the workload of academic responsibilities that are expected to be met within a certain word count or due date. But for those juggling a job during the day and various assignments from each of their classes, work becomes just another task on their checklist of activities interfering with their school life.
“I know I have some students who work overlapping with the school day,” social studies teacher Lee Green said. “That said, I found out through conversations where they casually mentioned it, rather than them telling me in advance so we could plan.”
These students not only have to manage their daily school attendance and course work, but also incorporate their work schedule into it. Getting in contact with teachers is important because they can communicate with the students and alter a lesson plan to fit their busy schedules.
“I usually try to work with students to meet them where they are and support them anyways, but there is only so much that I can do on my end,” Green said. “It does require effort on their part as well. I even check emails regularly in the evening to try and ensure all important questions get answered quickly so students have the time they need to be successful.”
These students carry a heavy weight of responsibility by continuously working through their schedules.
“When I was doing online school, sometimes I would do asynchronous learning for a day in order to go to work on time,” junior Anna-Claire Frolichstein said. “I would email my teacher to let them know and get whatever work I needed for that day.”
After school and during the weekends Frolichstein works at both Hobby Lobby and the J.W. Marriott.
“I really like my jobs,” Frolichstein said. “I never really expected myself to have two jobs, but I actually enjoy both of them a lot and I couldn’t imagine quitting either of them, no matter how busy I get. I have a lot of awesome coworkers and love the environment I’m in.”
In a fast-paced work setting with lines of customers waiting for the orders, employees are needed during specific times throughout the day to help serve.
“I worked once during the school day then did my assignments asynchronously,” junior Adam Daoud said. “It was my last period of the day and my work had asked if I could come in early because they were desperate.”
Daoud, who works at Starbucks, rarely gets stressed by the workload because of how he manages his time.
“During the week I like to dedicate Tuesday and Thursday to do all my homework because I only have two classes that aren’t as challenging,” Daoud said.
The demand for completing and turning in assignments on time can create pressure for the students who have other tasks outside of school. Finding a balance between work and school can be challenging, but it’s to them important to maintain good grades.
“Sometimes it’s hard for me to finish my homework assignments after I haven’t had time to be home, but I try to get everything done during the day so I don’t have to do much after work,” Frolichstein said. “However, I do prioritize school first and my bosses are super good at understanding that.”
Working on two things at once is a skill that requires the ability to multitask, but it doesn’t make the job any easier.
“I do get overwhelmed a lot,” Frolichstein said. “Sometimes it feels as if I never stop moving, just going from one place to another and doing homework in between, but I try to find time to just let myself rest too and know that it’s okay if I don’t get everything done.”
