Being a student usually means having to balance education and school work with one’s social life. For many, however, turning sixteen years old means needing to make money, so some students join the workforce. Students at Panther Creek work in a variety of different areas including retail, the food industry, and the service industry.

According to many students like senior Emily Yarnall working late hours can prevent a student from seeing friends and getting the necessary amount of sleep. “Sometimes it’ll prevent me from going out with friends on weekends,” says Yarnall. “If I get home late on a school night I won’t get eight hours of sleep so I’m tired in the morning.” Despite the toll taken on a student’s sleep and social interactions, having a job as a teen can also be a learning experience. Senior Ammeen Nader says he has learned better communication and business skills. He adds that it has helped make him a little more independent and opened his eyes to life beyond high school.

Studies have shown mixed results as to whether employment during high school is beneficial or harmful to a student. Evidence shows that steady work can help teach time management skills, and promote the healthy character development in some adolescents. This occurs especially when employment is appropriately balanced with school work and a social life. Kendall Garrett, senior, agrees that although homework is hard to get done after hours of school and then hours of working on her feet, she has strengthened her work ethic and time management skills incredibly since starting her job.

Whether employment during high school is objectively beneficial or not, most students have had a positive experience with it. It helps them get real world experience that will prepare them for their futures. It also makes them learn to balance their schedules and handle the stress of all the different aspects of their lives. Despite the controversy, many Catamounts have reported feeling satisfied with their jobs.