When you were young, you probably had jobs like mowing lawns, shoveling snow, or selling lemonade at a lemonade stand. Now that you are older and setting goals for yourself, you start thinking seriously of ways to prepare for the future.

An idea that may come to mind is getting a job that can reflect positively when forming a resume. Colleges will look at this, and you can help your family economically as well as gain new skills. Mr. Salinas, a counselor at Back of the Yards stated, “The job can help you be a little more organized, or you know help you with your time management or help you how to work with people. But it all depends on the job.”  He mentioned that the job you choose depends on weather you just want money, or are looking for something more serious. “You know if it’s just you know ‘I need money’ then you can try to go apply you know at McDonalds.” He also mentioned summer programs that pay you and provide you with the hands-on experiences you want. Some examples of programs like this include Yollocalli Arts Reach and After School Matters.

Keep in mind that whether you’re getting a job for the money or skills, it’s just part time. Your focus should be school and your main goal should be to go to college.

– Citlali Perez