Summer is an important time in high school, especially for getting ahead. Applying to college is no joke, not to mention impressing admissions officers. “Getting into college or university is incredibly competitive these days, and it’s important to stand out,” highlights College and Career Programs Officer “Mama” Mary Russell.
“Colleges and universities love [jobs] on students’ college resumes. It shows leadership, and it shows that you can work with adults, classmates, or your workability,” Mama Mary explains. Besides being impressive on college applications, having a job can expose students to different career paths and teach them the value of money and the importance of budgeting.
Senior Kaden Olsen is a lifeguard during the summer and explains that becoming a lifeguard has shifted his perspective on future career paths and has helped him connect with his community. “Lifeguarding has connected me to my community, and…I want to do engineering that involves more people.” Olsen suggests that students get jobs early on if they have time, since, “if you pay for a lot of your own stuff earlier on, you learn how to budget better and I think getting a job is just the start of that whole mountain that piles up.”
Senior Emily Hands has been working since she was 16 and recommends that juniors, especially seniors, get jobs. Hands comments that “jobs can teach a lot of responsibility and help [students] mature faster.” She also mentions that it is a good way to use your free time and get some extra money.
For interested students, Mama Mary mentions that she is currently receiving many employment opportunities. Last Thursday, February 6th, Wild Rivers and the City of Newport Beach were in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) helping students fill out job applications. If students missed this event, there is no need to worry, as many more organizations and businesses will be looking to hire. “They’re all different, so there’s going to be something for everyone,” she adds. Students with inquiries can go to Mama Mary in the LRC or email her at mrussell@nmusd.us.
