Students use their summer break for different reasons. Some vacation, others study but most college students are spending their time off working hard to save money.
In reality, most students have to work year-long in order to pay bills, afford necessities and still have some extra cash left over for days off.
Senior graphic design major, Rebecca Teer, is constantly on the move. After working at Future Stars Camp’s main location on campus from the end of June until mid Aug., Teer then transferred to Shipley lower school where she remained for the rest of the summer.
With Teer balancing so much, carrying a financial burden was difficult to deal with. However, with the help of Teer’s single-parent mother, some financial aid assistance and Teer can continue her extraordinary journey at Cabrini.
Teer says that the reason behind working for the camp was to help her with her financial aid.
“I have a cousin who is a director for Cabrini’s camp, which was my connection. But I mainly just wanted to work for the camp because I enjoy interacting with children,” Teer said.
Although it seemed like Teer’s summer was all work and no play, she made sure she left some time to spoil herself.
“With the money that I earned this summer I was able to pay for my own vacation,” Teer said. “I stayed with a few of my friends from Cabrini in Rehoboth. That was a really great experience.”
When it comes to a budget, Teer is constantly checking her account and strictly saving.
Because Teer now lives in the apartments on campus she has to consider putting certain money aside for groceries.
“I have a separate budget for food, and it does help that I babysit once a week,” Teer said.
Another great example of students maintaining a part-time job and going to school full-time is Ernst Jasmin.
Jasmin is a senior, political science and black studies major with a possible minor in philosophy. Jasmin has spent the last three summers working for Apple. Unfortunately due to issues with management and an overall unhappiness in the company, Jasmin has now found a new and better paying job as a bank teller at PNC bank.
“It is a great job that pays well with commission. Also, it is around the corner from school,” Jasmin said. “Being a commuter from home in West Philadelphia it makes life a lot easier.
With traveling to and from work everyday being so simple, Jasmin appreciates being able to leave and come back to school with easy access. Over the summer Jasmin had a financial hold on his account due to some past balances, but luckily to his surprise his new financial aid package covered the entire balance. That came in handy for him. Jasmin was able to purchase something nice for himself as a reward for his hard work.
With the 50 percent discount Jasmin received before leaving Apple, he was able to purchase his Apple watch.
“I budget my money as wise as I can by using my checking and savings accounts. But, sometimes I still end up living a check to check lifestyle. I do however still manage to put a little aside for savings,” Jasmin said.
Both students exemplify an average college student lifestyle. Life still goes on academically and financially, but staying organized in all aspects of your life is the best way to accomplish tasks.
