Not every college student has the same experience at school.
Some students don't have time to truly enjoy their college experience with night shifts, loans and no days off. Some Auburn students who hold part-time or full-time jobs for experience or economic support are learning these truths.
Tori Rivers, senior in public relations, learned about these financial realities. An associate trainer at Panera Bread and an intern at the Office of Communication and Marketing, Rivers took on a part-time job just to enroll at Auburn.
"Being from Georgia, my parents told me I would have to transfer schools because tuition was too expensive," Rivers said. "I took a year off from school, did a little research at the Office of the Registrar and established Alabama residency. To establish that residency, I had to make $10,000 [per year] with Alabama state taxes taken out."
Rivers found a position at Panera Bread. After three years of working there, Rivers started an internship at the Office of Communication and Marketing. Rivers recalled many of her friends relishing their freshmen experience while she was working night shifts.
"It was hard seeing all of my friends transitioning into their sophomore years, finding leadership positions in clubs and organizations while I was in the real world," Rivers said. "At 19 years old, I had to wake up at 6 a.m. to work 40-hour weeks, and it kind of sucked growing up that fast."
But Rivers said she doesn't regret her sudden maturation; in fact, she said she believes it molded her for the better.
"Panera has been really good to me," Rivers said. "I've met a lot of networking opportunities and it honed my communication skills. They understand student workers, but I have to work there and do a good job."
Rivers' position allows her to work and train people in all areas, a responsibility she holds with pride.
Alexis McMillan, junior in fitness conditioning and performance, is another out-of-state student who works to pay for school.
Working at AV Tech and Anders Bookstore, McMillan said she also feels the financial stress of college.
"It's a lot to manage everything, tuition, rent and social life," McMillan said. "When I first got here, I immediately started working two jobs and immediately got overwhelmed. I get burned out some days and don't want to do anything, but I know I still have to."
McMillan said she often feels like she's working herself to death.
"My pastor told me if I keep working myself like this, I wouldn't be young for long," McMillan said. "But my options aren't that open. It's kind of like work or go home."
Both of McMillan's parents graduated from Auburn and are real estate agents who instilled her with the importance of independence.
"I feel like at 18, you have to start managing your own affairs and become independent," McMillan said. "My parents' work ethic made me realize I had to go get it. I've learned more from outside the classroom and I have my work experience to thank for that. But as far as my classes go, Auburn has been great as far as preparing me for my career."
McMillan said she is taking a class that teaches her how to interact with clients.
Matthew Webb, senior in information and systems management, works at the Office of Management as an office aide.
Webb also said he believes his experience in Auburn has prepared him for the work force and the real world.
"I just started working there because I needed the money to shoulder expenses," Webb said. "Most companies hire by two things: performance and experience. Even a history with retail jobs tells companies 'I can work with other people,' but internships offer those first glimpses of your potential career."
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