Students have ways of making money, and one of the most popular is shoveling driveways during the winter.
Studentswho start shoveling driveways do so for the money, but the reasons they continue the work can be different. Students may realize the positive benefit it has on the community. “Admittedly it started out for the money, but over time I’ve realized the value in the community that it’s created and how it has helped me realize that [shoveling] isn’t only about the money but also the community, which I’m a part of, and also the people and the culture.” junior Andrew Lord said.
Although shoveling driveways may be tiring work, it isn’t all bad. People can have fun with their friends while they do it. “It’s fun to be outside in the snow and just mess around,” Lord said.
While it can be fun, there are difficulties. Different factors can make shoveling driveways particularly hard. “My least favorite part is the bottom of the driveways where the snow plows push all the snow to the side making it slushy,” junior Jacob Footer said.
Other factors like freezing temperatures can not only make the snow heavier but also create discomfort for students who shovel. Students can develop frostbite if they aren’t properly prepared for the cold weather. “I’m definitely afraid of getting frostbite on particularly cold days, so I try my best to make sure I’m prepared, but sometimes I forget to check the weather and end up being ill-prepared,” junior Jeremiah Lee said.
Students don’t only earn money, but also learn life skills. They can learn to work in a team and also learn how to interact with customers. “Not only have I gotten better with communication, but organization and teamwork have also been valuable assets I’ve developed over the years,” Lord said.
As students learn life skills, they can also gain confidence. Requirements like talking to customers become easier and less stressful. ‘I don’t find it challenging to find clients anymore because all you really have to do is go up to each house, knock, and ask,” Footer said.
While one student may find it easy to gain clients, others may find it hard. Everyone has skills that can help or hurt them in the snow shoveling business. “It is slightly challenging to find clients, but I’m definitely getting better,” Lee said.
Students who already shovel driveways encourage others to do the same. It can help create income and build skillss. “More students should start because it is a good way to make some extra money,” Footer said.
Not only do students encourage others to begin shoveling driveways as well, but they themselves plan to continue shoveling for as long as they can. Shovelers hope to continue until they graduate. “I plan to continue shoveling snow until I go to college,” Lee said.
Shoveling driveways can also be a way for students to clear their minds. The simple nature of shoveling snow allows students to not have to think much while doing it. “I really like how when I’m shoveling driveways I can think, and kind of just clear my mind in general,” Lee said.
