Students see the workplace to offer more than just money
Sophomore Louis DiGirolamo serves up one of his handcrafted salads at SaladWorks.
November 24, 2015
During one’s high school years, he or she is granted more freedoms and more opportunities with each passing year. He or she can drive, volunteer, and even pursue some financial independence through an after-school job. At Hillsborough, students work a wide variety of jobs at both well-known establishments and local businesses.
From well known franchises such as Saladworks or Wegman’s, to local businesses such as La Strada Cafe in Neshanic Station, to lifeguard opportunities at the YMCA, students at HHS work in all different sectors.
Of the large student population that chooses to work, some do so only over the summer, while others are employed part time all year round.
One establishment that hires high school students is the YMCA, which employs senior Kevin Gibson as a lifeguard and as a swim instructor. At the YMCA, Gibson works approximately 20 hours per week over the summer.
“It allows me to make a fair amount of money as well as work with the people I enjoy being around while doing something I enjoy,” Gibson said of his job.
Another workplace that hires students is Saladworks in Hillsborough. Sophomore Louis DiGirolamo is one such student currently employed at Saladworks
DiGirolamo truly enjoys his experiences at Saladworks, and his only complaint is one that many have across the food/restaurant industry.
“Some of the customers can be a little strenuous,” he said of his experiences behind the counter.
While he acknowledges the existence of high maintenance customers, DiGirolamo cannot stress enough the importance for teens to have a job.
“It teaches us to be responsible and organized,” he said.
Sophomore Jack Edwards, employed at La Strada Cafe in Neshanic Station as a busboy, also feels that it is beneficial for students to work during their teenage years.
“I think teens should have jobs, because it teaches responsibility and other life skills such as communication and doing things you don’t really want to do,” Edwards said.
Another popular job for high schoolers is working at a grocery store. Senior Ryan Kwiecinski is employed by Wegman’s in Bridgewater.
A grocery store job provides great opportunities for many, whether the tasks include stocking shelves or handling a cash register. Kwiecinski has been working at Wegman’s since his sophomore year, and after beginning as a cashier, he now works in produce.
“I get to be around all different types of people from all different backgrounds,” Kwiecinski said. “It is rewarding to see satisfied customers.”
Other jobs popular among HHS students are babysitting, waiter/waitressing, and being a camp counselor over the summers.
A known perk of babysitting is the fact that no taxes are taken out of your pay, so it oftentimes pays the most of available jobs for high schoolers. However, securing a babysitting job can be a challenge, as one’s availability may not correspond to a family’s needs.
On the other hand, jobs at bigger corporations often provide the comfort of an ordered schedule.
As HHS students advance through their high school years, they should see employment as a viable option for not only money, but building a resume, and ultimately preparing them for later life experiences.