Work Or School? Or Both?

How do Christian Brothers students balance their schoolwork with the burden of an after school job? The Talon went to investigate.

It is not uncommon to hear about a student who stays up late to finish that last assignment or to study for that impossible final. It’s also not uncommon to hear about those select few who balance that same schoolwork with playing a sport.

Then, there is a separate group of students, those who are brave enough to add an after school job into the mix.

These students are stepping into a new realm of responsibility and truly understanding the commitment they are making to balancing their responsibilities — while making money in the process. Not only is this a true test of dedication, but it is also teaches students the importance of time management at a young age.

Assistant Principal  Mr. Chris Symkowick-Rose provides positive support for students balancing after school jobs with their schoolwork.

“I am very supportive of the students with jobs, I know that when I was in high school I knew a lot of people who had jobs,” he says. “I think it only works if you’re not doing a sport at the same time — I believe that is just about impossible to keep up.”

“It ultimately comes down to the student but I think it is a great means of responsibility,” the religious studies instructor added.

Some people may doubt that it is possible to successfully balance a sport, maintain good grades and hold a steady job. But don’t tell that to CB student Madison Winn (’15) who is always up for a challenge.

“I’ll admit, it is challenging to balance school work, my jobs, and sports while managing to get a sufficient amount of sleep.” says Madison, who works as a custodial assistant at a wedding venue. “There are plenty of nights where I get little to no sleep because of homework, working late, practice or all three.”

When Madison took the job, he realized that his sleep schedule would be affected. However, as a young adult, he saw the bigger picture.

“Part of having all of these responsibilities is knowing and understanding that sufficient sleep is not always in the cards,” the senior says. “Sacrifices must be made.”

Even though it is the student’s time and energy that is being put forth, their teachers and coaches are aware and care about both their students’ grades and their well-being.

CB Athletic Director Mr. Dale Milton believes that students can use the experience to build a solid foundation for the future.

“I think it is good and important for young people to start working and have after school jobs right away,” he says. “It is experience — you learn how to work with people while learning valuable life skills along the way.”

But as a teacher, Mr. Milton sees and understands the importance of education.

“The most important thing is to remember that students are here at school for an education, and with that said school must be their priority,” Mr. Milton says, advising, “as many students will later learn, life is all about time management. This is a crucial skill to learn as it is present through adulthood.”

While it is a tough journey,  students and teachers see the good in after school jobs. If the student can successfully balance school, work and happiness, all while getting a good nights sleep, who are we to stop them?

After all, successful men and women of our time who have mastered the art of time management were once the students who embraced responsibility at a young age and grew up understanding its value.