WORKING HARD FOR THE MONEY

By TAYLOR FAGAN 

With summer right around the corner, students at WHS are scrambling to find the perfect summer job.  Although summer is typically the time to relax and unwind from the busy school year, it is also a time for kids to work and save up money.  When the last period bell rings and school is officially out, kids have the freedom they've longed for all year.  However,  in order to keep up with the summer fun, which often doesn’t come cheap, several students find it necessary to take on a summer job.  

A plethora of local businesses are more than happy to hire Washingtonville students, one being Betty’s Country Kitchen.  This local restaurant is the workplace of senior, Richard Silva.  Having started the job in the beginning of his junior year, he has spent countless hours at work.  Silva stated, “I’ve worked at Betty’s for two years and I think having a job for the summer is beneficial because it keeps me busy and is a way for me to save money to spend and save for college.”

TAYLOR FAGAN FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

To some students, having a job can seem like a chore, but for junior, Marisela Colangelo, who also works at Betty’s, “Working at Betty’s is wonderful.”  She later added, “I like to work with Richard; he is a good coworker.”  Time spent working at the restaurant is not only a way to make money, but it is a fun way for Marisela to spend her time after school.  

In the hot summer heat, it is common for people to hang by the pool and go for a swim. One popular summer job is lifeguarding.  Several students at WHS are certified lifeguards and plan on spending their summer saving lives poolside.  One local lifeguard is Washingtonville’s very own senior, Daniel Luedke.  Not only does Daniel have a job at The Castle, in Chester, but he also decided to become a certified lifeguard because he “...wanted another job for the summer and I thought it would be good to be CPR certified.” He went on to say, “It is a good job to have because you can learn many things that you can use during an emergency outside of lifeguarding.” 

Although parents urge their children to save their money for things such as college or even a car, it is inevitable that kids spend their money on fun activities throughout the summer like bowling, ice cream, and mini golf.  It is easy for kids to slip into the cycle of spending, however, there are ways to balance spending and saving.  Luedke voiced, “With the money I make from lifeguarding, I will probably spend that on things throughout the summer. With the money I make from The Castle, I plan to save for the upcoming year at college.”  

Summertime provides students with the opportunity to spend their free time working and saving money for upcoming events.  Hopefully they can find the time to squeeze in a little fun in the sun!