How HSAS Students Juggle Jobs and Academics

Saja Amrati and Dahlia Lief, Grade 10, Staff Writers

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 For many High School of American Studies (HSAS) students, learning does not stop in the classroom. Common Sense takes a look at our classmates’ attempts at balancing the obligations of  school and work. While the majority of students find their employment a source of critical skills while also getting paid, they have also had to balance work and school. Others have chosen to focus entirely on academics.    

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 22.5 percent of high school students are working. At HSAS, many students have jobs that help them explore fields of interest while getting paid.

     Aman Miah (‘28), told us he “tutors kids and…really likes[s] it.” Many other students have also chosen to pursue jobs that improve their communication skills.     

    Others have chosen jobs that utilize their athletic skills. One example is Ela Schimmel ('28) who works in New Jersey during the summer: “It does not affect my school work since it is in the summer.”   

    Many have also found creative ways to keep work manageable.     

    Aman Miah said he is “not [affected] that much since it's a weekend job.” Other methods students can use to balance work and school are opting for virtual, summer, or weekend jobs to prioritize academics during the schoolweek.     

   Some HSAS students, however, have decided not to work at all. 

   Syeda Ahmed (‘28) said that “because of homework and afterschool clubs I am pretty much too busy to get a job.”