Behind a tiki-style counter in downtown St. Petersburg, USFSP student Christa Hegedus waits to take another smoothie and sandwich order. Like many college students, she works part-time while taking a full load of classes.
The freshman biology major works several hours a week in a smoothie shop, mixing ingredients and whipping up concoctions for customers who venture into Tropical Smoothie. After her shift ends, she heads home and hits the books.
According to an April 2011 Bureau of Labor Statistics study, recent high school graduates enrolled as full-time college students were about half as likely to be in the labor force (36.7 percent) as were their peers enrolled part time (71.3 percent).
Andrea Inman, sophomore and Residence Hall One resident assistant, works the weekend shifts at the front desk. She often catches up on homework during rare slots of free time during her shifts. Inman’s involvement with multiple organizations on campus, such as Student Government and the club It’s All Fun and Games, have her juggling her time on a regular basis.
“If anyone ever tells you taking six classes, being an RA, being in senate and running a club is easy, they are lying,” Inman said. “It’s totally worth it though.”
Fellow RA and senior Arienne Milkles faces a similar workload. Her schedule allows for multitasking due to a positive work environment.
“I have made time for homework by doing homework at work. Good times to do my homework are usually when I am sitting at the desk in the Department of Student Life and Engagement and on duty night in the residence hall when I have to sit in the duty office,” Milkles said.
For freshman Billy Davis, who works as a pizza delivery person for Westshore Pizza, work can pose some rewards and consequences.
“It’s hard. Sometimes I have to make tough decisions—to work or study,” Davis said.
“Don’t get [a job] if you don’t need one, and don’t overwhelm yourself,” Davis said. “There’s going to be plenty of time to make money later, and if you must have a job, get something flexible, with tips.”
These working students suggest utilizing time management tools like Google Calendar, planners and alarms to help stay organization.
Photo by Daniel Mutter
