Brittany Bullock
MC301 Contributor/Staff
Books and work badges go hand and hand for a vast majority of college students. Many young adults, including Jackson State University students, face the challenge of balancing a full time school schedule, along with working part-time and full–time.
Alexander Thomas, a junior, computer engineering major from Jackson, Miss., knows the school/work struggle first hand. Thomas has less than a calendar year before graduation, and the stress of being active and productive both at work and school can sometimes be a struggle.
“When I get to work, I’m strictly an associate on the clock. I can’t sneak off and study so every hour of the day is accounted for,” said Thomas.
Thomas is a floor partner at Sam’s Club in Pearl, Miss. He stated that the only time he can get a breather is when he is on break or lunch. He has many tasks to complete while on the job, including working with the electronics department, forklift operations, and other duties assigned. Thomas hears his name called for assistance quite often.
“I think I’m called like 20 times a shift. As soon as I think it has lightened up, someone calls me again,” said Thomas.
Academic life is not much different for Thomas. Thomas stated that he struggles to make time to study and do class work with such a busy schedule. It is also challenging sometimes for him to make assignment deadlines and get extra credit.
“Time management is one of my biggest hassles. Trying to find time to sleep, eat, and juggle all of the other hats I wear are sometimes complicated. However, I am an honors student and I make it work,” said Thomas.
Joshua Lindsey, a coworker and classmate of Thomas, can relate to his struggle on many levels. Lindsey is also from Jackson, Miss. and a junior computer engineering major as well. The two young men often give each other pointers and encouraging words on how to be and remain successful college students who work.
“With extra curricular activities, working at least 30 hours at the Club (Sam’s Club), and getting all of my assignments done on time, I don’t know if I’m going or coming,” Lindsey said.
Thomas and Lindsey both expressed that working is a necessity because the two young men have responsibilities.
“In a perfect world, I would be a full time student and debt free without a worry in the world. But sadly, it doesn’t work like that. I have to help my mother and also provide for myself and my education is mandatory,” said Lindsey. “I like my job and I love being a student, but there’s never a day that I’m not fully dedicated to one or the other.”
Teairreka Williams, a sophomore criminal justice major from Jackson, Miss., faces similar challenges but has made school the priority in her life. As a cashier at a local discount chain store, she has adjusted her work schedule to minimize interference with her studies.
“I’m not about to stress myself! I only work four days a week at a limit of six hours. Yes, I miss the money, but my education needs more attention,” said Williams.
An article on makingsenseofcents.com offers these five tips to college students who also work:
1. Carefully plan your class and work schedule:
Some students just choose whatever classes are offered. However, it is much wiser to carefully craft your school and work schedule so that everything flows together efficiently with minimal time wasted.
2. Eliminate any time that may be wasted
The time you save could be used towards earning more money at your job, studying, socializing, or whatever else it is that you need or want to do. For working college students, every minute is important.
3. Separate yourself from distractions
Noise in the background, such as with a TV that is on or a party your roommate may be throwing, can distract you from what you need to be doing. If you are trying to study or do homework then you should try to find a quiet place to get work done.
4. Have a to-do list and a set schedule
Having a to-do list is extremely helpful for working students in college because you will know exactly what has to be done and by when. You will then have your responsibilities sitting there right in your face so that you will have to face reality.
5. Working students in college need to be realistic
If your grades are dropping, then you may want to analyze whether you should drop your hours at work or school. What is more important to you at this time and for your future?
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