Learning on the Job
"I love how clean the facilities are!"
"I had so much fun at camp this summer!"
"I called the college for information, and I had my question answered so quickly!"
These are all things I have heard from parents, students, and visitors. Some of these people don't realize that PCC has a student work program and are surprised to find out that students perform many of the day-to-day duties that keep PCC in tip-top shape. There are also students who are interested in joining the work program but don't really know what it's like or what to expect. I was a work student for two semesters, and even though I don't work on campus any more, I still think about the lessons I learned about myself and other people.
What did I learn?
- I can find friends anywhere. Obviously we weren't on constant coffee breaks, but we had a great camaraderie in actually getting our work done. I still hang out with my former work crew sometimes, and they are probably some of the most fun and down-to-earth people I know.
- I can do things on time if I have a plan. One thing that working does is make you hyper-aware of time constraints, and you have to make a plan of attack to finish your work on time. On the one hand, you feel like you won't have time to finish a project. On the other, you realize you have plenty of time for homework and projects if you don't stay on your phone for an hour straight.
- I should be grateful for all the work others do. My appreciation actually grew after I stopped working. I am especially grateful for contract students and summer workers, who keep the machine going when the rest of us aren't here!
For me, these lessons that I learned while working were far more valuable than the money I earned. Next time you walk through your residence hall and see yourself in a streak-free mirror, or you stop to admire beautifully manicured grounds, take a moment to appreciate the student workers who help to make it all possible.
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