Jessica Fewell: a sophomore in psychology, works at Stamp in downtown Auburn. Many students apply for summer jobs to make some extra money during the summer. JD Schein / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Firecrackers on the Fourth of July, laying out by the pool and relaxing at home, spending time with family in 90 degree weather. Sounds like summer, right?
Unfortunately, for many Auburn students, starting a summer job has also forced its way into that relaxing summer schedule.
The lifestyle of an Auburn student certainly isn’t cheap. Books and tuition are just the beginning of the spending; once going out to dinner and hitting up the bars with friends is factored in to the equation, it’s easy to find yourself in a financial bind at the end of spring semester.
Sometimes, that means sacrificing a good chunk of your vacation time spent away from the books, and taking on a good-paying job instead.
Kelly Young, a junior in public relations, said she plans on working multiple jobs this summer.
“I will be working 20 hours a week for a non-paying internship at a PR firm in Atlanta,” Young said. “I will also be working at J. Crew, as well as baby-sitting.”
Young said she is taking on all of the work for both personal and educational reasons.
“I have never had an internship before, so I am really looking forward to it, and I’m ready to learn a lot,” Young said. “I’ll be baby-sitting because I already have a lot of experience and have been doing it for years.
“And I’ll be working at J. Crew for the cash and clothes!”
It’s not just the thought of making money and getting job experience that has her ready for summer, Young said.
“I can’t wait to get home after finals are over,” Young said. “I need a break from everything.This school year has been really busy and at times quite stressful.”
John Bailey, a sophomore in wireless engineering, will be landscaping this summer.
“I’m going to be working for a friend of my dad’s,” Bailey said. “He runs a landscaping company that does major yard work for places all over south Alabama. It’s hard work, but it keeps me busy, and it pays really well.”
Bailey said the income makes up for the harsh weather.
“It gets so hot every summer that I always reach this point where I want to quit, but in the end, the cash and the nice tan is worth it,” Bailey said.
Unfortunately for some students, taking on a summer job may not even be an option once spring semester comes to an end.
Michelle Bryant, a junior in political science, said she won’t have a summer job this year.
“I have to take a full load of classes this summer, so there is no way I’m going to be able to work,” Bryant said. “I really need the money, but I also want to be able to go home and visit my family as well as study.”
