Work for Success

by Rose Breakfield
(Wesson, MS)

I am a parent of two college students and a third will graduate from high school May 2014. I graduated from college in 1992 and since have been back to college numerous times. I have not paid any money out of pocket for my college degree because I worked on campus (work-study jobs) to fund the difference that financial aid did not cover.

Working on campus is a great opportunity that allows you to study and work 20 hours a week during your spare time. It may not be a lot of money but it takes care of the necessary expenses for college as well as allows you to focus on your education. The staff at the college takes into consideration that your education comes first so they allow you to work around your class schedule.

I was able to graduate an honor student and learn how to be independent. The money that I made paid my college balance and helped me purchase personal items that I needed such as toiletry and food. It also allowed me to get to know other faculty members which is a plus when you need a permanent job later in life.

I have given this knowledge to my children. They have worked during the summer to help out with college expenses for the fall to allow them the time to focus more on their education. So no matter when you choose to work, the key is to work and put the money aside for college to avoid taking out loans. It will also help you to become independent and responsible and build your self confidence for the future ahead.

Many students take out loans and then can't focus on their education because they are worry about how much they have to pay back and the interest that the company will charge. This takes away the joy of learning and keeps many from ever attending. I believe working early helps the student to get hands-on experience and allow them to transition into adulthood. They will also feel self worth in knowing they help pay for their own education.

Read more tips about student jobs from other students and parents.

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Comment from your friendly team at College Financial Aid Advice

Thank you Rose for sharing the value of student jobs. If students work for success, they will learn valuable life lessons while paying for college. Good luck to you and your family.

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A Rolling Stone

by Elizabeth
(New York)

Everyone talks about college as a new experience. And yet, when it comes to the classes, or the process of staring at a blank computer screen hoping to see it fill up with tomorrow's homework assignment, it's not really that different.

The significance of college really comes from its sense of transition. You start living on your own. (You know, minus the three or four dorm-mates). You have to feed yourself (Um, Domino's...). And you begin to take a part in your own finances. For me, it was of utmost importance to get a job--- not only so that I could feel I was not burdening my parents more than I could prevent--- but also because I need to earn the right to live my own life.

Don't get me wrong. I was never taught that money was the most important thing. But my upbringing was practical. I've clipped coupons, sold lemonade at garage sales, worked as a secretary in high school, and strived hard to get scholarships. And yet, in spite of all this, I've chosen an unpractical path. I want to be a writer. I want to work in publishing. I want to create worlds my parents would say are as fragile as the paper they are written on. While I am accepting their help, it doesn't feel appropriate to throw down their dreams that I will become a lawyer or a business-woman, any more than it would be appropriate to tell someone who has paid for my dinner that I want a different one instead. In order to stand my ground, I need to support that ground first.

And so I searched. 60 job applications bloomed into several interviews, and finally a position at Stern, the NYU business school. It's a job I love, perhaps less for the paper cuts and the stooping to get to the bottom file cabinet, but more for the sense of confidence it has given me. Even within the office setting, I have been able to use creativity to perform tasks more efficiently; I've been made to feel productive, and just that little more self-reliant. I know now that I can get a job without family connections. I know that I can keep one. And that means that when I graduate, my experience being of use to the people here can only assist me in being helpful to those working closer to my field of interest.

An old saying goes "a rolling stone gathers no moss". I don't want to be one of those people who leaves college waiting to be nudged in one direction or another. Instead, I want to already be accelerating toward my goals, hurtling along a path I chose.

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Comment from your friendly team at College Financial Aid Advice

Thank you Elizabeth for sharing a great essay A Rolling Stone. Finding a job can be hard work as your 60 job applications shows. It’s great that you kept it up and found a great job and lessons about confidence. Best of luck to you.

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Will Work for Education

by Faith Gordon
(Atlanta, Ga)

The value of an education has been instilled in me from the very beginning. As my dad always says, "nothing in life is free including getting an education. The reality is, many times, we have to find creative ways to finance our educational journey.

Getting a part-time job is actually a great way to generate an income to supplement college costs. Not only does it relive some of the financial burden it also reinforces a sense of independence and instills the importance of working hard to fulfill your dreams. As simple as it sounds, it is not an easy task. Working and going to school requires a certain amount of discipline. A person must be organized and committed to the tasks that are required of them in the school and in a workplace. Not to worry, it can be done. Find an environment that will fit you and your school schedule for example maybe you can only work on the weekends or later in the evening, or need to have Wednesday nights open for class, find a job that fits you’re flexibility. Set small goals for yourself so that you do not get overwhelmed or sidetracked, keep the main reasons you need the money in your focus. For example you may say in six months I want to save up $1000 and the money will go toward my books for the year. Stay calm, every day won’t be rainbows and butterflies but remember this is all for a greater cause and that is the betterment of you. Following these simple rules can make working and going to school quite manageable and gives you a sense of accomplishment in that you saw a vision, your vision, all the way through.

In my own personal experience being a lifeguard/swim teacher has really been a great investment for me. From my freshman undergraduate year until now I have been working in the aquatics field. Working has really helped to show me responsibility and I've learned how to manage my money. I had to be to work promptly and keep the arranged schedule because others were depending on me all while l had a full load of classes. Some of my proudest undergrad memories included working and feeling the pride of paying some of my own bills. It is a skill that I have not only used for some of my payments throughout college but it has also been something I have been able to utilize throughout my adult life. From the knowledge I've acquired in the field of aquatics, I've henceforth been able to start my own business called Swim By Faith where I teach swimming lessons to adults and youth. This has allowed me turn a very valuable skill into a marketable business that has helped me to meet new people, build a brand and supplement a little extra income on the side.

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Thank you Faith for sharing your student job experience. Yes, a student job can give you valuable skills and inspiration to start your own business. Best of luck to you.

YOU CAN DO IT!

by Yesenia
(Georgia)

“Ten more minutes and I’ll finally be done with this 10 page essay due tomorrow! All I want is some sleep,” I thought as I hurriedly typed trying to get my last thoughts in to this essay worth a great portion of my final grade. Working a part time of 25 hours a week and going to school full time at 12 hours a week we often find ourselves in this hectic situation trying to get everything in before the due date, and if you are like me you will get it done and submitted on time. Staying positive and working hard to get the job done is key for having a successful college career.

Being first generation to attend college I had no idea how I was going to pay for college all I knew is that I was going and that was final. As a senior in high school I worked at my local grocery store as a part time and with every check I save 15% for only college expenses. I continued to work at the grocery store for two years and then I was offered the opportunity to work at my local chiropractor’s office my dream was to work as a part time for a local health care facility therefore I immediately took the opportunity. Prior to getting the job I had wrote down all the qualities I wanted in a job which included the location, pay, friendly bosses, and coworkers thus my job search began I applied for a numerous amount of health care facilities within a 15 mile radius it included hospitals, clinics, dentist office, and optical centers. I wanted a job that was related to my field of study. At first I was a little uncertain what I wanted to study all I knew is that it would be in health care once I started my job at the chiropractors’ office I fell in love with chiropractic and decided to become a Doctor of Chiropractic.

Working there I continue to save 15% for every check I got to go towards college expenses but now I have found my dream career. Working and going to school can be a bit hectic at times but it’s possible if you are determined and it’s worth it in the end when you can get out the job many skills you will use in the long run.

Read more tips on Student Jobs from other students and parents who have been through the student job process.

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Comment from your friendly team at College Financial Aid Advice

Thank you Yesenia for reminding everyone that you can do it – both school and work. Best of luck to you.

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