By Brittney Bruner
Two weeks in, with students already diving headlong into their studies, it may come as a surprise that a lot of these students are approaching financial support the same way: with part-time or even full-time jobs.
Several students depend on the support of a paycheck not only to finance their education, but to allow them a chance to live their college life in a comfortable way. College costs, not limited to tuition and book prices, are expensive. So, even after a summer of hard work and long hours, the new semester brings a time clock as well.
Although many students work in places around the city, some prefer to stay on campus for their jobs. Sarah Bishop, a junior psychology major, works through the University of Louisville as a Cardinal Host.
“As a Cardinal Host, I get to work most of President Ramsey’s events. It’s convenient to have an on-campus job,” said Bishop. “It is also a great way to earn money, network and meet lots of new people.”
Abby Sperry, a sophomore accounting major, is an employee at the Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium at U of L. “I have an on-campus job because I needed to work part-time during school. It’s very convenient because I can walk to and from it and they will also work around my class schedule. I love working at the planetarium because I get to learn something new every time I’m there.”
Juniors Justin Doss and Keith Blakely both work as member service representatives at U of L’s on-campus bank, Class Act.
“I make deposits, withdrawals and mostly help members out,” said Blakely, a finance major. He says that his job description is just a fancy name for a bank teller. However, the job is good experience for the finance career path Blakely wants to take.
Doss, a sport administration major, said he chose to work at Class Act because he needed the money to help pay for school and because he worked at a credit union in the past. “I don’t have to drive anywhere and I save so much gas money,” said Doss.
On-campus jobs provide a lot of opportunities for students because they are convenient and flexible about scheduling hours between, before and after classes.
However, being in the busy city of Louisville, there are also a number of opportunities for employment off campus.
Kristin McNail, a junior exercise science major, works as a nanny for a local Louisville family. “I chose the job because it is good and there are regular hours,” said McNail. “I need the job to pay bills and extra expenses that come with school.” McNail picks up the kids from school, helps them with homework and drives them to extracurricular activities.
“I love the job. The kids are great and it’s very reliable. I get my schoolwork done either before or after. And a lot of the time I can work on it while I am there.”
Although jobs during the school year are very stressful for students, they are necessary. With bills, recreation, extracurricular activities and trips throughout the year, the costs add up. But, it’s what most college kids want to do, and they will work for the opportunities.
