By Alex Hufferdine ’27
In a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 38% of high school students have summer jobs, and these range from lifeguarding, babysitting, being a camp counselor, and many more. It is no surprise that many Frederick Gunn students are also looking for summer jobs, looking to make some extra money before school starts again in the fall. For many, having a summer job allows students to stay committed to something in the summer, something to show up and work for. Studies show that one of the best ways to prepare for real world experiences after high school and college is to get a part time job in the summer, and many students follow that belief at the Frederick Gunn School. The idea of being and staying busy helps students stay on top of their well being and commitment even after they have finished their school commitments until next year. Staying on top of themselves and their tasks is what helps many students keep being a force for good in their communities.
While every student wants to complete their school year and take a much needed break, composed of sleeping and hanging out with friends, it takes a very committed student to stay on top of themselves and pick up a summer job. Spending time that could have been used to do whatever a student wants to do, whether that is hanging out with friends or sleeping, shows incredible commitment to trying to make themselves be the best they can be and keeping themselves on the right track to jump back into schoolwork and sports when fall term begins again at the Frederick Gunn School. These summer jobs are great preparation for the future, as when students step into working full time jobs, they will already have the experience of staying committed and showing up for a job, working for money at something they hopefully love doing. Working at a summer job helps students work in teams that they haven’t worked in before, finding coworkers and being responsible.
Students that have or are planning to have summer jobs realize how important they will be not only for now, but also for the future. Many who have these jobs and opportunities in place for themselves realize that they will need to show up and put the best version of themselves forward. Finn Ritter ’29 shared, “It’s a good way to get myself up in the morning, as it’s very easy to just sit and do nothing the whole summer. I’m glad I have a summer job because it’s something that I have to do, and I can make some money while doing something I love doing”. Finn, having been a tennis instructor for a few years at his country club knows that it will be something that can benefit him in many different ways, improving his tennis skills and his teamwork and even further. Evan Chiappa ’27 commented, “Since it is my first time going into a summer job, it will be difficult to push myself at the start to show up and be ready for my job. I don’t know, I’m pretty confident that I can manage to get myself up and begin to enjoy it, and the money is an extra bonus.” For many students like Evan, it is something that fills up the time, and it keeps them busy while earning a few extra dollars.
Whether a student has, doesn’t have, or plans on getting a summer job, it is all for different reasons. Between taking it as an experience to learn and further themselves or doing something to keep them busy, all students can equally enjoy the benefits of working a summer job and staying committed to themselves and their well being.
