It's officially midnight as you start your walk back to your apartment but you realize you need to start your English essay for eight-thirty morning class, after your ten-hour shift at the restaurant. It's time to make some coffee.
Students who work as servers and are full-time students do not get enough credit for the amount of work that they have to do in order to survive. They have to manage to make money to pay the bills and to get good grades to make the Dean's list. It's a hard task but it can be done and I applaud you and understand you because I am that type of student as well. The struggles are real and it feels like it's not fair for those students who don't have jobs but I promise you, it's going to help you in the long run.
The Ten Struggles:
1. You study in the kitchen away from the floor while you wait for the hostess to seat your section.
2. You manage to be able to memorize not only cocktail list and dinner menu but your Communication notes for your exam.
3. You beg your boss to put you on the schedule when you have off from school because you need money.
4. When family meal or discounted food becomes your breakfast, lunch and dinner.
5. Sleep isn't a option for you because when you get off from serving, your second job of being a student starts.
6. When your boss texts you on your day off to come into work and you do because the only thing motivating you is your college loans.
7. When the only friends you have are your co-workers.
8. On breaks, your co-workers can find you either asleep in a booth or doing your homework for class in the kitchen.
9. When you wear your uniform to school because you are heading straight to work after.
10. When your school friends text you to hang out but you respond with, "I'm sorry but I'm at work" or " I'm sorry but I'm heading into work."
Word of advice to all, tip your servers because we are people too, especially the students.
