Trying to manage school, sports, homework, a job, a regular sleep schedule, and a healthy social life can be beyond overwhelming. For students like Briana Hudson, senior, this is the norm, except that she slips in duties as cheerleading captain.

“I always keep a list in my mind of what’s the most important and make sure I stay on top of everything,” said Hudson. “It’s always school, cheerleading, and then my job. Sometimes I do have my off days, but it’s all about staying motivated and making sure I get the job done. Motivation is the key to being successful.”

Hudson isn’t the only high schooler dealing with these same challenges. Korinna Brandt, senior, works at Kohl’s for four hour shifts on weekdays and six to eight hour shifts on the weekends. She also plays field hockey which takes up a vast majority of her extra time.

“Having a job can make it harder to get all my school work done, but I try to finish most of it in AIP or seminar,” said Brandt. “Managing school, a job, and a sport is very hard to do. You have to be sure you can handle the commitment if you get a job while still in school.”

Instead of trying to juggling basketball, school, and homework Rontrell Gentry, senior, takes a different approach. He works at Schnucks pushing the carts and working in the bagging area three times a week for five to eight hours.

“During the basketball season I have way too much going on so I usually don’t work or I’ll only work on weekends,” said Gentry. “I have to make sure I do my homework before school. I try to make my school life a priority over my work life.”

The whole work and school balance even affects A plus student and sophomore Jakob Giles. Giles works at Rocket Fizz on weekends for seven hour shifts and finds time for basketball and extra curriculars. Although he admits trying to squeeze too many things in at once can become stressful.

“Sometimes I can’t do my homework, then I ask for less hours,” said Giles. “I get pretty stressed out, but if I manage my time right, I can become successful.”

The Do’s and Don’ts of a Job Interview

Many students in high school are preparing for jobs, and the first step of getting a job is the interview. According to William McAnulty, Social Studies, “First impressions are the biggest thing. Your interview is pretty much decided within your first impression. Do you look presentable? Do you actually want the job? Did you take the time to make yourself coordinated? Is it something that makes you stand out, but not too loud?” Below are some do’s and don’ts to help you with your job interview.By Students, For Students:

Do’s:

• Do be spontaneous and courteous. Mason Lewis, sophomore
• Do dress appropriately. Business casual is recommended, but some jobs will require a stricter dress code. Jalen Williams, sophomore
• Do act professional. Jalen Williams, sophomore
• Do be confident. Taylor Patrick, senior
• Do be friendly, but still professional. Taylor Patrick, senior
• Do give a firm handshake. Taylor Patrick, senior
• Do have good eye contact throughout the interview. Turvan Dailey, senior
• Do take notes. Turvan Dailey, senior
• Do let them know you want the job. Turvan Dailey, senior

Don’ts:

• Don’t wait too long to answer the questions. Mason Lewis, sophomore
• Don’t act impolite. Manners are very important. Mason Lewis, sophomore
• Don’t use slang while talking to your employer. Jalen Williams, sophomore
• Don’t chew gum. Jalen Williams, sophomore
• Don’t stutter while you talk. Turvan Dailey, senior

By Staff, For Students:

Do’s:

• Do make sure you show up to your interview around 15 minutes early. Mrs. Schaffer
• Do make sure you introduce yourself to the secretary, because ultimately it may have some say in the interview. Mrs. Schaffer
• Do wait to be seated so you don’t take the wrong seat. Mrs. Schaffer
• Do send a thank you card or letter immediately after the interview. Either give it to the secretary after the interview or go to your car and write an email. Make sure to spell everything correctly. Mrs. Schaffer
• Do wear a skirt if you’re a women. Mrs. Schaffer
• Do always have at least one question at the end of the job interview to ask them. The question should be along the lines of “when are you planning to make a final decision about the job?”. Mrs. Schaffer
• Do research the company before the interview. One thing every company will want you to know is their mission statement and their vision statement. Mr. McAnulty
• Do make a good first impression. Mr. McAnulty

Don’ts:

• Don’t fidget or start taking things off the desk while you’re talking. Mrs. Schaffer
• Don’t take your phone in with you. Leave it in your car so nothing distracts you. Mrs. Schaffer
• Don’t cross your legs at the knee if you’re a woman, make sure to cross your legs at the ankle. Mrs. Schaffer
• Don’t sit sloppily, sit up and look interested in the conversation. Mrs. Schaffer