Students at Akins have not only been challenged to complete their school work remotely, but they have also had to learn how to earn a paycheck with their jobs. The Eagle’s Eye interviewed several students about their jobs, why they are working and how they are dealing with their busy work and school schedules.

Junior Jose Neave, works at McDonald’s

Eagle’s Eye: Why do you work?

Jose Neave: To earn money for my dream car.

EE: How is this affecting you?

JN: I kept falling behind on school work.

EE: Is this hurting you mentally or emotionally?

JN: It’s hurting me mentally because of the stress.

EE: How are you dealing with the stress from it all?

JN: I try to ignore and go to work where I actually have fun.

EE: How many hours a week do you work?

JN: I work about 35 to 40 hours a week

Senior Miguel Sanchez, works at McDonald’s and Home Depot

EE: Why do you work?

Miguel Sanchez: I work to provide essential items at my house that may be missing or my parents aren’t able to afford in order to pay bills on time. They sacrifice in order to maintain the home I’m living in. In return I provide what I can to them in order to keep essential items like food on the table. I also work to provide wifi and to provide food for my dog.

EE: How is this affecting you?

MS: It’s affecting my sleep schedule and how I perform in school, and I usually end up falling asleep on rare occasions. I’m tired and stressed at times and let stuff pile up until it’s too late.

EE: Is this hurting you mentally or emotionally?

MS: Yes, it’s mentally draining and can cause negative thoughts such as doubts in my own performance, or just drained in general.

EE: How are you dealing with the stress from it all?

MS: Personally, I just exercise or hang out with friends or deal with what’s going on, and being aware of how it’s affecting me. Although I end up creating more plans for my future while I’m dealing with work and school.

EE: How many hours do you work a week? MS: 40 or more.

Junior Gaby Olivia, works at Chipotle

Eagle’s Eye: Why do you work?

Gaby Olivia: I simply work to have money. I’ve been working for a while and I don’t like to ask my parents for money, I like to be able to buy things I want and ultimately save up for college.

EE: How is this affecting you?

GO: Honestly, it’s mostly affected me positively. My last job was not the best environment but where I work now I enjoy most days and I’ve met new people and have fun.

EE: Is this hurting you mentally or emotionally?

GO: Some days can be draining and even frustrating for a bit. Although for the most part, it has actually improved my mental health in recent times because I’ve struggled with motivation in the pandemic and I enjoy getting out and making money.

EE: How are you dealing with the stress from it all?

GO: It’s definitely a balance working for me that has made me feel better. Honestly, I have more motivation for school after I’ve hit such a low in regards to my grades. It’s all about prioritizing. I also try to take some days off every once in a while to spend time with a friend or just relax.

EE: How many classes do you attend during a regular week of your schedule?

GO: Honestly, I don’t tend to go to all my classes. I have struggled a lot with balance in my sleep schedule and, of course, feeling well enough mentally to get school done although it’s not affected by work so much as the state of school in the pandemic.

EE: How many hours a week do you work?

GO: It can vary anywhere from 25-35 hours.