It’s Friday. After a long week of testing and dealing with teachers you don’t want to listen to, the only thing you look forward to is that nice, big paycheck at the end of the week. This is the mindset of hundreds of working students at Miami High who already have jobs.

Junior Reyna Gutierrez, who works at Subway, said, “I got my job by simply applying online and then going for an interview.”

Junior Ismariam Ampie, who works at Charlotte Russe clothing store, also applied online. “Then they called me in for an interview and they asked me questions about my interest, why I’m interested in working at their store, and characteristics that define me as a person,” she said.

The places where students work vary depending on their interest and how many hours they’re available. Junior Grisel Almeida said, “I work 6-12 hours a week at Burger King because I love food and helping customers.”

Junior Nathalie Cortes works at Banana Republic for approximately 20 hours per week because she’s into fashion.

Juggling your academics and a job can be a difficult task, but it’s doable. Senior Sylvia Escobar, who works at an air conditioner company, said, “My manager is very understanding with me when it comes down to my school activities. He sets up my schedule around my school hours and I’m grateful that he’s lenient.”

Junior Karla Pena, who works at Banana Republic, said, “It’s somewhat easy for me to handle my school activities and a job since I only work on weekends. But to keep everything under control, I keep a schedule of everything I have planned to do in the upcoming week.”

People have jobs for different reasons. For junior Felix Valdez, who works at Pizza Hut, it’s to keep him busy and earn money on the side.

Junior Luis Torres said, “I hate bothering my parents for money since they already do more than enough for me by providing me with a place to live and food to eat. I want to give them a break and at the same time gain a little independence.”

Teachers don’t ever miss a chance to give you a load of homework, even if you have a job. But Sylvia Escobar said, “I keep up with my homework and studies by doing everything I need to do during my free time.”

The saying “sleep is for the weak” seems to be the mantra for these hard working students. Junior Dayana Pineda, who works at Forever 21, said, “Usually I get less than six hours of sleep. I usually stay up late doing homework or studying for an upcoming test.”

Putting your job before your school responsibilities is a major risk. However, Grisel Almeida said, “I would never put work before school, and if somehow I find myself doing so, I immediately force myself to just concentrate on my school duties. I would hate to find myself at a low-paying job without a title knowing I can do better for myself and accomplish more.”

Having a high GPA attracts good colleges to notice you and take interest in you. It would be a shame if it all went down the drain for a low paying job. However, that’s not the case for some people. Reyna Gutierrez added, “My GPA is a 3.2. Me having a job has not made a noticeable difference, and I’m glad.”

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