By Kreeshia Aquino

Triton’s Call Staff

I applaud those who do try to balance many aspects of their life, and still find a way to smile and make what they do look easy.

I am a full-time student with a double major in communications and linguistics and a minor in writing. Like many college students, I also have a part-time job.

I have been working since I started college, which was roughly two years. Fortunately, I have a scholarship that helps me pay for my tuition and books, but that doesn’t mean I do not have to work.

Holding a job while attending college isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. It may be stressful, especially during midterms and finals, but overall, having a job while attending college has its benefits.

First, having a job means extra income. Scholarship or not, having extra money come in means more to save or spend. My scholarship pays for my tuition and books, but I have house and car bills to worry about on the side. Not to mention, I like to eat, so I like buying groceries.

Second, having a job makes you feel more independent. As a college student, it would be best to start earning your own money instead of having to depend on your parents. Just like the first benefit, having a job can help you save your own money, especially for emergencies.

Third, having a job, for the most part, lets you interact with other people. You get to meet different kinds of people. Yes, you do meet different people in your classes. What I mean is, you get to meet customers and work with coworkers. These are the people you can talk about other things with, other than what the next assignment is or what the professor said.

Fourth, having a job forces you to manage your time wisely.

My boss lets me turn in my school schedule before each semester. She works well with my school schedule because she believes school is a priority.

Although my school and work schedule do not conflict, how I manage my free time is my responsibility. My “free” time means choosing between: catching up on homework, meeting up for group projects, studying for exams, hanging out with friends, spending time with family, paying bills, sleeping, shopping, exercising, or watching TV.

Juggling school and work is not easy. There will be times when you wonder if all you do is worth it.

It may not seem like it, but the experiences are what make your college years memorable.

Kreeshia Aquino is a Triton’s Call staff writer and junior majoring in communication.