Atop homework, sports, extracurriculars and home chores, many students also balance jobs. Student jobs are typically seen as nothing more than a source of money, but the work of some challenge that belief.

Student employment, although greatly sought after purely as a source of income, have a deeper impact than a paycheck for some student employees. As students have discovered, their work impacts them in various ways, ranging from gaining new skills and greater responsibility to changing the way one perceives the business industry.

Junior Connor Furgason

Job: Stocker at Pet Supplies Plus

Impact: “I have changed others’ lives because I literally help to decide what to feed their dog probably for the rest of its life…That’s a pretty big deal.”

Senior Cori Cain

Job: Running the carousel and snack bar at Forest Park

Impact: “Everyday, I get to make people smile when they ride the carousel. I love doing it; it makes my day.”

Senior Udhavir Otal

Job: Making and delivering Greeks pizza

Impact: “…knowing I’m making people a quality pizza puts a smile on my face.”

The impact of employment on students varies from job to job, but overall, paid employment generally provides students with more than just money. Students attain experience and skills, of course; but furthermore, they receive deeper relationships with others and a more comprehensive understanding of their impact on others and on the world.

Many students have found that although balancing work along with their hectic schedule is difficult and sometimes stressful, the experiences they receive from the time and effort they put into their jobs makes their work worthwhile.