It is safe to say that most college students scrape by from semester to semester, blowing all sorts of money throughout. Therefore, many college students acquire part-time jobs over the winter and summer breaks.

My first semester of college was a success, and I in no way blew through all my money. In fact, I still have a great deal in savings, though I can admit to making withdrawals from my savings and transferring that money directly into my checking account, most likely to pay for food, since I have discovered that is where most of my money has gone. But hey, who can blame me? Eating the same thing from the dining hall for three meals a day, seven days a week can get old quick.

I have had the same job for almost two years, and I am fortunate to work with/for people who treat my fairly, are caring, and make working fun, but being a teenager automatically calls for a little bit of feet dragging to get back into the working mindset.

Here are some things that run through a teenager’s mind every time they are driving into work on break:

• It’s only for 5 or so weeks, then it’s back to watching Netflix whenever I want.
• Think of all the food I’ll be able to buy once I’m reimbursed for everything I lost last semester.
• I’ll be happy I decided to work when I get back to school and have extra cash for the necessities.
• Once I’m there and working I’ll be fine.

My least favorite part of working over break is having to miss out on going out with friends from time to time because I do not get my schedule until the week of, and we hardly ever plan in advance. But looking past that one downfall, having a job is for the best. It allows me to keep a connection with my employers and co-workers for future references, teaches me strong work ethic and personal sacrifice, and allows me to earn money to live my life the way I want to.