Being an upcoming high school graduate means either having a great deal of free time, or little to none. The excitement of leaving and entering a new pathway has many students already prepared and even laid back in their current studies, whilst for others, the opposite. Taking multiple classes and still dealing with college applications, decisions, exams, free time may still be as limited as the past three years of high school.
How do Dewey seniors balance out their school and outside activities with their nearing independence, being just a semester away?
Sofia Chaves Rojas, a senior at John Dewey high school, shared a quick recap of her day to day life as both a student and part time employee. Varying shifts between days, she starts her afternoon heading out of Dewey and straight to Dalia’s Nail Salon, her mother’s establishment. “I wouldn’t say I balance my school life and outside life 50/50 because it often feels like my outside life gets more of my attention,” Rojas said.
Many students outside life consists of part time work, similarly to Chavez Rojas. Another graduating student, Kimberly Rocha Quintero, has begun taking long eight hour shifts straight after classes. “Most days I wake up at 7, head to my first through seventh period classes then to work for my 8 hour shift, getting home around 10-11 at night.”
Work after school is most definitely exhausting, but students like Chavez Rojas and Rocha Quintero see it as opportunistic. “Having money helped me gain a little independence, and working too–I get experience for the future.” said Rojas.
With jobs and school on the side, these two students still attempt to indulge in their own personal hobbies. “Art to me is an outlet for emotions that I can’t express with words–I’m very passionate about art.” Rojas said. “I’m hoping to get back into photography and writing soon, unfortunately I haven’t had the time yet.” Quintero added.
It’s important for students to engage in activities that interest them outside of school, as a way of maintaining the right mindset not just for present time but their futures as well.
