Morton East teenagers manage their jobs and high school careers. 

According to ‘The Oklahoman,’ “New data released Thursday by the U.S. Census shows that more than 1 in 4 high school students age 16 and older work. That’s more than 3 million workers nationwide.” Knowing that there are teenagers, who can deal with school and a job at the same time is an obligation that prepares students for many things to come. Although some kids leave school for a job, they still manage to be responsible. In a random survey of 100 Morton East students, 64 students reported that they worked, while the other 36 didn’t. 

 Many of the students that were surveyed said they currently have a job.  

“Every student should have some type of job, because I had a job when I was in high school and I learned so much,” history teacher Ms. Rohde said.  

Having a job in high school would teach a teenager many skillful things to use such as time management, responsibility, and good communication skills. With good communication skills comes a person allowing access to their true selves. 

“It’s good because it helps them work under a boss, working with other people, and their communication skills. It also helps them budget their own money and use it more wisely,” history teacher Ms. Rohde said. 

You never understand budgeting until you have a job and responsibilities to take care of that involve money. 

“It’s hard to keep up with school. I have an hour after school, to get ready, and head to work, only to come out at 9 to 10 and still have to shower, do homework, and get some sleep,” Senior Sebastian Ochoa said. 

For some students it may be a little tougher because of the AP classes that assign hours of homework to do, I understand just how tiring it is when getting out of work then having to come home to be stuck on homework. 

“I used to work with my dad and got paid good and better, but overall working at the town made me happy,” Senior Steven Cruz said. 

Where a job that did not pay as much as working with their parent did, Steven chose to work for the town because to work where he helps his community is a job that makes him genuinely happy. 

“It doesn’t really affect my performance in school, I get paid well and I work good hours. So, I have the privilege to get home, and do everything I need to do and still get sleep,” Senior Brayan Lopez said. 

There are some students who have no problem managing school and work though.