Summer Jobs

The end of second semester can only mean one thing: summer is about to start. Even though every student looks forward to this break from school, I feel that many also dread their summer job. Since most students are forced to get a job during this period of time, I feel it is crucial to find something you enjoy doing.

I feel this way because I am lucky enough to spend my summer doing something that I love. I have spent the past couple of summers as a Lifeguard and Synchronized Swim Coach. This job is ideal because I love water, being outdoors, and working with kids. Everyday I look forward to getting up and going to work because I truly enjoy it that much. I never fully understood the importance of finding work you are passionate about until now. I feel like many people struggle to find a job that pays the most even if that means they are miserable. I couldn’t imagine getting out of bed every morning during the summer for a job that I couldn’t stand just because it pays well. If you have to spend your summer working, have fun while doing it. There is no reason for anyone to dread his or her summer job!

MADD Walk

Waking up at 5:30 am on a Saturday morning to volunteer is something that the average college student would avoid doing. However, I am actually happy to say that this became reality for me this past weekend. I volunteered for the organization called MADD, which stands for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The event consisted of a walk which raised awareness and funds for helping to eliminate and inform our society on drunk driving.

When I began volunteering, I was very tired and could not stop thinking about everything else I needed to get done for the rest of day. I was also not very enthused about my job, which consisted of registering walkers and handing out T-shirts. However, when I actually took time to learn about the organization and interact with the walkers, I began to appreciate the organization.

It started when I was registering an older man that it hit me. He came up to me and asked if he could give a donation before he began the walk. After I collected his generous donation, I asked if he needed anything else and he replied with “No that’s it, I’m going to go start walking for my son now”, and then held up a picture of him. While starring at a picture of his son that looked about the same age as I am now, I realized how much I could relate this organization to my own life. Even though I know drinking and driving is a major problem in our society, I never think it is going to affect someone in my own life. However, seeing a picture of this young boy made me realize that this could be anyone of my friends. Even if you do not personally drink and drive, you could be the victim in an alcohol related accident.

After this self-realization and I took the time to walk around and learn about the organization. I found that many of the statistics I learned, shocked me. For example, did you know that 41% of crashes of alcohol related? I think everyone today, especially young adults are not aware of the consequences of drinking and driving. Next time you volunteer for an organization you do not fully understand or think can relate to your life in anyway, take a second and learn about everything that is actually going on around you. I guarantee you will be very surprised!

Spring Break

For spring break this year, my friends and I traveled Cabo San Lucas. I felt comfortable going because I went with a big group and speak the language well. However, throughout the trip my friends and I felt like prime targets for getting taken advantage of. Even though we were paying the same amount as everyone else staying at our hotel, this did not reflect the way we were treated.

When we first arrived, our confirmed airport transportation was not there to pick us up. We also struggled to get waited on for every meal at the hotel. This poor service was because they were so concerned with helping adults that have more authority than us. Personally, I think if a hotel does feel that everyone deserves the same treatment then they should not make their check-in age eighteen. Since I am not the only college student that travels with his or her friends on vacation, has anyone else had this problem?