It’s known that juniors and seniors often have part-time jobs, but what about sophomores?
From a swim instructor to a reading tutor, sophomores are now exploring a variety of high school job opportunities. This increased community involvement has not only provided sophomores with a source of salary, but also a sense of personal development and unique experiences at only 15 years old. Better preparing them for what the future career may hold.
To get these job opportunities, sophomores have been long-term students at the businesses that they now work at. “I’ve been a student in this swim academy for years now. I emailed the supervisor of the swim academy, asking to apply,” sophomore Emma Toothaker said.
Toothaker closely works with kids to improve their swimming skills, as well as ensure their safety and organization of equipment. “I help to coach and train kids. I have to make sure that they’re safe in their environment. I have to make sure that the boards and their noodles are organized and give them feedback at the end,” Toothaker said.
Sophomore Erina Shaik spends her free time as a reading and writing instructor at a tutoring school. “I make sure that the children are on task, you’re grading books and shelving,” Shaik said.
Both of these sophomores report making between $13-15 an hour. Toothaker and Shaik both hope to continue their jobs for the remainder of their time in high school.
This new experience for sophomores can be a chance for them to practice responsibility, patience and time management. Toothaker takes three AP classes this year, making it essential for her to understand how to prioritize and implement discipline into her lifestyle. “I only do one or two clubs to make sure I’m not overwhelmed. And then I do all my homework right after school,” Toothaker said.
Sophomores may experience the pressure of ensuring that they are teaching accurate material to kids. “You have to be really familiar with swimming techniques. You don’t want to teach the kids the wrong thing and have them swim incorrectly,” Toothaker said.
Sophomore Chloe Depalga currently doesn’t have a job. However, she hopes to work at a store later on in high school.
Jobs may not be a reality in sophomore year due to its time-consuming nature. Depalga plays softball and has multiple pets at home. One of the factors that make it difficult for sophomores to have a job are “balancing responsibilities,” Depalga said.
Like most sophomores, Shaik doesn’t have a driver’s license yet. She has to plan accordingly to adapt to this challenge. “There can be difficulties if my parents can’t take me, but there’s always other ways of transportation since I have work right after school, so I can directly take the bus,” Shaik said.
Sophomores still feel that the rigor of high school jobs can allow them to get a glimpse of what the future could look like. “It’s a preview of what the work environment’s going to be like after high school,” Depalga said.
