Finding Balance

Story By: Kaitlin Homan

Kate Staskus is a professional juggler.

“I honestly choose to work because I need an income,” said Staskus, senior business marketing major and physics minor interning at the Orange County Transportation Authority. “I am also trying to become more professional.”

Senior Kate StaskusIn order to cut college expenses and enjoy the extra cash, students at Chapman work part time jobs or have internships. These students understand the pros and cons of taking a job.

According to a 2013 survey found by Citi and Seventeen Magazine, nearly four out of five college students work 19 hours a week, with 71 percent of students clocking in more than those 19 hours to help pay their living costs and lower their tuition.

Although money is the main drive, students become more competent and in Kate Staskus’ situation, there are perks of having loads of office experience and working 20-plus hours a week.

“I already have a job offer for after college with an amazing high tech company in Silicon Valley,” said Staskus.

But it’s all about balance.

Staskus is vice president of chapter operations for Alpha Phi, a member of Order of Omega; Greek Life Honor Society, on the water polo team, and taking her last few upper division courses, so dealing with a hectic schedule is part of her daily routine.

“I have to dedicate time to working out and cooking meals and when I have extra time, I’ll watch a couple episodes of criminal minds,” said Staskus.

Necessity or desire, it’s safe to say full time Chapman students work for the money.

“Life is expensive and I hate asking my mom for cash,” said Brittany Zamora, sophomore business marketing major working a part-time job in Glass Hall.

Aside from the appetite for cash, most students look at work in a positive way and realize that whether it focuses on their work career plans or not, they learn to time-manage and budget, build a resume, connect with professors and/or professionals in the workplace, and if they’re lucky enough, contribute to the excitement of a hobby or interest.

“Although my job doesn’t accompany the work field I’d like to go in, it definitely fuels the passion I have for cooking,” said Cheyenne Catli, senior psychology major working at Haven Gastropub. “But I work to pay for my own finances.”

Students fortunate enough to work in their field of study, again, still work for the money.

Click Here for Tips on How to Get the Job

Alexey Bonca, junior philosophy major planning to work in the entertainment industry after graduation, works 10 hours a week dealing with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of film, television and production equipment.

“Dodge has helped me further my experience with technical production tremendously, so my position as Stage Assistant is basically the best job I could hold right now,” said Bonca.

Is it a win-win situation for Bonca?

“I have to pay my tuition so I’m mostly at Chapman on financial aid. Every hour of work counts,” said Bonca. “Work and eighteen units can definitely burn me out, especially towards the end of the week.”

It’s important for students to allocate their time appropriately between work, school and extracurricular activities.

“It sometimes gets hard to balance school and work,” said Sara Korajczyk, junior film production and PR and Advertising double major. “I find myself missing out on school and sorority events because I end up having to work late.”

Korajczyk, employed at Free People, works for the 40 percent discount – conveniently accessible at Urban Outfitters and Anthropology as well.

“The discount keeps me financially stable,” said Korajczyk. “My obsession for clothing is out of hand.”

Life is about growth, dividing time correctly and finding a balance in life that’s satisfying – and some full-time students are able to accomplish this with the demands of a part-time job or internship. A positive attitude always wins.

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“I know by being in the moment, studying what I love, and living with a purpose that all things are happening for a reason.  It might not make sense now, or ever, but life has a weird way of getting you exactly where you’re supposed to be,” said Natasia Lutes, senior kinesiology major and holistic wellness minor.

Lutes works for Surfing Magazine’s creative team as an editorial assistant.

“For the past three years I have been working on finding balance in every aspect of my life,” said Lutes. “It just seemed that working at a magazine would be the perfect outlet for my creative energy when my school schedule is loaded with science labs.”

Staskus is not alone. In fact, many hard-working, professional jugglers accompany her.

“It’s all about getting the job done,” said Staskus.

 

Can’t Get a Job?

 

Little reminders:

–  Keep your online persona appropriate

–  Don’t ditch the volunteer scene

–  Use a professional email address

–  Keep your resume 100% error-free

–  Apply to many places, not just the one you have your heart set on

–  Follow up

–  Create a LinkedIn account

–  Ask questions

–  Be personable; be yourself

 

All Good Reasons

  • Expanding social networks
  • Gaining work experience
  • Building your resume
  • Lowering tuition
  • Challenging ourselves
  • Learning time management
  • Keeping busy & productive
  • Benefiting physical & mental health
  • Improving grades
  • Developing new skills
  • Possibly obtaining a full-time job offer
  • Personal development & achievement
  • Establishing sources of support
  • Relieving stress
  • Making money

 

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