In the young and rather carefree world of high school, the realities of a permanent and professional future seem so distant and obscure. However, upon entering university, one is struck with several new realities that in the past were simply unnecessary to contemplate.
Some students recognize the need to branch off from their family and take an independent route of financial independence. There are those who seek to find their path through work and internships, and those simply searching for the stimulation and experience that the classroom dynamic cannot offer.
Unknown to the outside observer at first glance, the Stern student body actually consists of various individuals who lead parallel lives alongside their roles as students, in part-time working roles; either within the scope of potential jobs at Stern or in the world at large.
Besides fulfilling the role of a Resident Advisor, Ariella Sieger works as a tour guide for prospective students of Stern College for Women. “I used to show Stern off to visiting friends often and I enjoyed being available to answer questions. I then found out that this was a job at Stern, and immediately took action.” Ariella conveniently embarks on tours around midday on various days, usually during her short two-hour break. “The flexibility is extremely convenient.” She has also acquired valuable lessons from her interactive tour guide role: “I have learned to promote Stern professionally as well as through my own personal and honest lens. I have also gotten to know many new people, and have in fact continued to maintain connections with some that are now freshmen.”
Tour guiding is but one of many jobs offered on campus. Stephanie Dadon, a SYMS student, works nightly at the cafeteria as a cashier. “With it being my first year on campus as a transfer student, working in the Stern cafeteria has been a great way to meet and connect with so many Stern girls that I would have not been able to otherwise.” In the evenings, the cashier sits amongst large masses of Stern students that fill the cafeteria, eager for their dinner. “I specifically savor the opportunity to catch up with many friends not seen throughout my day. To me, it never actually does feel like work.”
Working as a Shabbat waitress is yet another job available for Stern students. Dalya Silverstein, a senior at Stern, enjoys waitressing on various Shabbats, for the Friday night meal as well the Saturday lunch. “I enjoy staying in for Shabbats and I feel waitressing is a great way to be a part of the meals as well as be a productive force.” Each member of the waitress team devotes themselves to serving their assigned tables at each meal as well as avidly preparing the food to be served and setting up Koch Auditorium prior to each meal. “I feel a great sense of community, especially in my ability to create great friendships within my team of waitresses.”
In addition to this brilliant force of passionate Stern student workers, many girls occupy professions outside of Stern, within the working world at large. Tsvia Beck, a sophomore at Stern, works with data entry in an office that deals with medical facilities. “I scheduled my classes to be within three days, therefore allowing me to work on Thursdays, as well as Fridays and Sundays, if I am able to.” Tsvia is a part of two separate worlds, work and school, and she has the unique opportunity to connect with individuals of each. “It allows me to connect outwardly to co-workers that know nothing of my school life, therefore being very self-reflective.” Working allows Tsvia to convey to others this separate life she leads, yet one which they know nothing about.
Dina Chizhik, an Economics student at Stern, has two jobs and an internship. One position at a pharmacy near Stern requires the task of data entry, while her other job consists of assisting an elderly women. She also interns at a human rights non-profit, all alongside the demanding responsibilities of student life.
“Students feel a crippling pressure to have internships for resumes, to balance heavy workloads, and in addition, to work a side job in order to sustain an independent self.” Although these difficult dynamics strain student at times, Dina spoke of the benefits that these multiple worlds yield for her. “I’m pleasantly surprised at times, how much the two worlds of study and work enhance each other.”
Once an intern at Congressman Rangel’s office, as well as a worker at 16 Handles, Dina Rubanowitz, a Political Science student, now interns for the Deputy Console General of Israel. “My political science classes, specifically those I’m taking this semester with an international and Middle Eastern focus, really assist me with the work I’m doing.”
Although Dina’s relatable schoolwork contributes to her work life, she has felt singled-out as a student worker. “I felt people didn’t respect me because I am a student. But then I realized that I have a lot to contribute. I often get asked ‘What are they teaching you in school?’ and therefore feel I have something to offer.”
Dina also values the exposure to the realities of working amongst professionals. “I am motivated in school with such exposure because I see so clearly the potential of acquiring one of these professional jobs after school. Ultimately, I feel there is a purpose to school by working.”
The student life stands as the primary focus for many girls at Stern, but there are a substantial number of students within these masses that lead a life that allows them to actively pursue experience and exposure to the real world through working. Workers within Stern are exposed to a greater sense of community and connectivity within the student body. Workers in the outside world are exposed to professionals, potential job tracks, and independent living. In addition, students who obtain jobs outside their roles as students often have the satisfaction that comes with two extremely often relatable positions, the student and the worker, and the potential that each position has to enhance the other.