Students make most of jobs
Some say working can take away from academics

By Jessica Cervantez
Staff Reporter

For many students having a job can yield valuable rewards — extra money, independence from parents and the opportunity for greater interaction outside of TCU.

Students who work outside of school are more disciplined when it comes to managing time for studying purposes, said Don Mills, vice chancellor of student affairs.

But Mills said working excessively can take away from the ability to be effective as a student.

“Some students like working so much that it becomes a priority, and it can be detrimental to school work,” he said.

TCU Work Study Coordinator Melet Leafgreen said there are 425 students who participate in the work study program on campus.“Students who work while in college gain experience,” Leafgreen said. “Working builds a sense of self-esteem and character that (students) may not get in the classroom.”

Angie McNabb, a junior psychology major, who works as a server at Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern on the weekends, said working is harder physically and mentally, but she has learned to manage her time better.

She said that not only does working mean extra cash, but she also relies less on her parents.

April Gonzalez, a junior interior design major, who works at Red Lobster more than 25 hours a week, said work can be hard but the benefits are worth the effort.”Sometimes work stresses me out, but then it is better for me in the long run (because) it teaches me to be more appreciative of things,” she said.

Gonzalez said her grades are not affected because working is at the bottom of her priority list.

Abigial Neufeld, a junior psychology major, said she now has more leisure time since she no longer works. Neufeld said when she worked as a hostess 20 hours a week at Mimi’s Cafe last year, her job had a marginal effect on her grades.

By not working, Neufeld has the ability to study more. She said she doesn’t have the stresses that come with working nights when she knew she had an important exam the next day.

“I think my life is more structured, and I know exactly what needs to get done,” Neufeld said.

Sylvia Davila, a senior speech communications major, said she loves having a flexible schedule.

“It’s a plus when you have a lot of time to do things, but since I do have a lot of time, I seem to procrastinate more,” she said.

Davila said her parents want her to focus on school work and make it her top priority.

Mills said having a job while in college affects each student differently, and students can take advantage of the benefits if they know their priorities lie in academics first.

“The collegiate experience has so many dimensions,” Mills said. “Students should take advantage of as many dimensions as possible.”

Jessica Cervantez
j.s.cervantez@student.tcu.edu