I never would have thought that taking a side/part-time job during college would be such a blessing. It may seem like having a job while being a full time student comes with certain negative connotations, however my little side hosting job in downtown Richmond, Virginia means the world to me. I will never forget the lessons I have learned and the friendships I have made from this place, and I cannot be more thankful.
Having a job in college is stressful; you take on even more responsibility, as if school, class, and loads of homework and tests aren't already enough. However, having a job has built me up to be even more mature and responsible and has helped shaped my future before it even comes. If the long hours and amounts of work you have to put into the food services aren't already not enough, then I don't know what is. My job has put my future into perspective, made me believe that no matter what the job or the work it requires, having responsibility builds character. I am thankful I am becoming more than what I thought I ever could have.
The relationships you build while working will truly last you a lifetime. You depend on these people and they understand you. They are all in the same situation that you're in and they know that working hard and making money to support yourself is the most important thing; nothing else should get in the way. You should always be there to guide each other. It is refreshing to surround yourself with people who have responsibilities, wish for independence, and know how to be mature. Having a job plays an important role in doing those things. I am grateful for these people and what they have taught me.
The stress builds though. Getting off late at night and then doing hours of homework makes everything seem so much harder, but is it really? Having a job encourages me to do better; balancing multiple things at once is a great influence on my future and just goes to show that I want to be successful. I want to be constantly doing things for myself and become a better person because to me, this is what life is all about, making myself into the absolute best I can be. If it were not for my little part-time hosting job in college, then I would have no idea what it feels like to want something and be focused and driven. Knowing the whole world is out there, it can take courage and confidence to achieve your goals and dreams.
Having a part time job in school has been a blessing and sometimes a curse but I still (to this day) have no regrets. I look even more forward to my future than I ever have before, and I have my tiny side job to thank for this.
