Finding a student job can be challenging, but it is one of the best decisions a student can make in high school. At Riviera Prep, more students are taking on part-time jobs, from cashiering at Publix to tutoring younger kids, and they say these roles build real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 22.5% of high school students and 44.3% of college students hold part-time jobs.
Research shows that students who work part-time often develop critical skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. According to Edutopia, “Students who work tend to exhibit greater maturity, better time management, and a stronger sense of responsibility compared to their peers.” A 2023 study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 68% of employers value skills in entry-level hires. This research shows the value of student jobs, showing that the benefits go beyond financial independence. Employers and educators recognize that part-time work equips teens with practical abilities that prepare them for future careers.
For Pricilla Headley, a junior at Riviera Prep, working as a tutor for seventh to ninth graders has been more than just a paycheck. Initially nervous about teaching algebra to younger students, she quickly found her way. Her first day on the job was overwhelming. She faced a room of middle schoolers who didn’t understand variables, but by patiently breaking down problems, she earned their respect. “My favorite part of my job is when a student doesn’t know the answer, and I get to explain it to them,” Headley said. Her proudest moment was when a shy seventh-grader thanked her after finally grasping a tricky equation, a memory that she still treasures. By guiding students through challenges, she’s learned to communicate clearly and adapt her approach, skills that will serve her in any future career.
Isabella Moralez Lopez, a senior at Riviera Prep, works as a cashier at Publix, assisting customers and scanning items. Balancing school and work isn’t easy. Her toughest moment came when a customer yelled at her over a pricing mix-up, and she had to stay calm while resolving it. “From my job, I learned to be nice to customers even if I’m having a hard day,” Moralez Lopez said. Her funniest memory is when a toddler in a cart tossed a loaf of bread at her, turning a stressful shift into a laugh. Handling demanding customers while maintaining a positive attitude has taught her to stay composed under pressure, a skill that will benefit her in any professional setting.
Teachers at Riviera Prep notice the difference in students who work. Maria Palomo, an AP Psychology teacher, said, “Students with jobs often come to class better prepared and manage their deadlines more effectively. They seem to understand the importance of accountability.” She recalled how one working student organized a group project with precision.
Student jobs are more than just jobs; they’re opportunities to grow. From tutoring younger kids to ringing up groceries, every shift helps students build confidence, resilience, and responsibility. As Headley and Moralez Lopez show, these experiences shape not just how they work, but who they’re becoming as they prepare for life after high school.
