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Snyder: How the right job can impact the student-employee

Faith Snyder, Columnist

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It’s astounding how much you can learn from a short time of being back in school for two weeks, but it’s the stuff outside of class that has affected me most. This school year I was fortunate enough to get a work study job at the UT Athletic Ticket Office. It’s been incredible to work with such passionate people who love the Rockets just as much as I do, as well as being a part of the fans’ experience when purchasing their tickets.

The Rocket fans are such a phenomenal group of people who just have such passion for the teams, the school, and the players they support. I love being able to wake up each morning knowing that I’ll be able to meet another University of Toledo fan every time someone walks up to the box office to purchase a ticket.

However, it’s slowly becoming obvious to me each day I step into that office just how lucky I am to have this job. There are many students out there who are not as lucky as I am and have to work full-time jobs or a job that they don’t enjoy as much as I enjoy mine.

The wonderful thing about having a job with work-study is that they work around my school schedule, and still leave me with enough time to study and do my homework. The idea of having a job that doesn’t give that option is terrifying to me. I am in awe of the strength and commitment the other students have. They work full time and still manage to attend classes, turn in homework, do internships, manage a social life, and, for some, parent.

The amount of dedication that is expected of one to pursue higher education is undoubtedly tremendous. It means sacrificing sleep, social activities and other important things which can really weigh down on a student. Let’s not talk about the stress of holding down a full-time or part-time job in addition to studies.

As a first-time worker, I’ve been struggling with the idea of how I’m going to be able to swallow all of this new information and stress of classes, but with the help of friends and my co-workers I’ve taken to the job pretty well. Handling stress with school and work is important, and finding ways to cope can be different for everyone.

For instance, I love to read and, luckily, my professors are keeping me busy in both stress relief and homework when it comes to assigned reading. For you it may be music, time outdoors, movies, painting, drawing, sports, or even working out. It’s all about balance and knowing that when you have some free time to spare, you should put it to the best use; use it to do whatever makes you happiest. Even if it’s 15 minutes, take some time out of your day to roll your shoulders, treat yourself, and maybe take a moment to call a friend or family member on the phone.

So whether you work weekends, night shift, day-to-day, or simply in the summer, I salute you for all the hard work and hours you put in to be the student and, one day, the graduate you will become. It will, in the end, all be worth it as we put on our caps and gowns and cross the stage to accept our degrees. Your persistence and dedication to your education shows how much you are willing to both sacrifice and invest in your future, a trait which many will see as both brave and highly employable. Until then, keep chugging that coffee and clocking in. Just know that you’re not alone and that you’ll be appreciated in due season.

Faith Snyder is a third-year student majoring in English and History.

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Serving the University of Toledo community since 1919.
Snyder: How the right job can impact the student-employee