By Julia Kim
Video by Monica and Ryan

Thirty-three school days remain until the start of summer, excluding weekends. And as the last six weeks has arrived, students are hurriedly making plans for summer vacations, summer hangouts and, of course, summer jobs.

During the summer, students are no longer restricted by the limited number of work hours. Part-time jobs will soon be worked full-time as students will continue working former jobs and search for new ones. Although the declining economy has reduced the availability of jobs for teens, there are still quite a few jobs that remain to be filled by students.

Babysitting is a fairly popular job that many teens look into. In the summer, students can work full hours without worrying about school nights or homework. Although it is a year-round job, there will most likely be a greater demand for babysitters for longer hours during the summer.

“During the school year, I occasionally babysit for my parent’s friends,” junior Jeanne Feng said. “I usually don’t get paid to do this, but in the summer, I really want to find a place to babysit so I can earn just a bit of extra money. I enjoy babysitting because I like to be around kids- I can do what I like while earning [savings].”

There are also opportunities to work at both casual and formal dining areas. Students can work at abundant fast food joints and pizza places in addition to working at bakeries, restaurants, and the now popular fro-yo stores.

The movie theater is also another location with jobs available for teens. At local movie theaters, students can work behind the concession stands, at the ticket vendor, or as cleaners.

However, retail stores certainly offer the largest range of jobs for both students and adults alike. Opportunities as cashiers at department stores, grocery markets, and shopping centers provide many students a chance to earn extra savings this summer.

“In the past, I have just done chores and earned an allowance, but I think it’s about [time for] me to find a job now that I’m leaving the house soon,” junior Angela Song said. “I’m beginning to look for a job in the summer right now, but it’s difficult to find one that I would like.”

Some students, on the other hand, will do community service and internships to continue building their resumes for college.

“I think [working an internship] will benefit me more in the future,” junior Audrey Eichenberger said. “This summer I really look forward to volunteering at Children’s Medical Center and [doing] an intern.”