A Guide for Working Students in College

I graduated from college as a working student. Earning a degree through sweat and tears is very rewarding but it was not an easy experienced. Applying for a job in different departments of the college was hard tor me, a freshman who knows no one in the campus. But because of my determination to reach my goal of earning a degree, I made it. Here are some things that had helped me reached the end of my journey as a working student.

Be Determined. Determination is very important once you start your journey. Going around to different departments of the college. meeting supervisors, applying for job vacancy is very frustrating specially when the answer is. "NO." the vacancy has been filled up just recently. But I never give up because I know I can find one If I will not stop looking for it. Then I met the stern supervisor of the electrical Department of the college. I have no experience about electrical jobs I am even scared to touch the electrical wires but I need a job so that I can enroll for college. He looked at me and said, " we don't need women here." He then asked me,
can you climb the electrical post? can you repair short circuits? and more questions about electrical matters. I did not say yes or no but I told him I will apply as a secretary and since he was also teaching electrical subjects, I can help prepare laboratory materials, checking papers, do typing jobs and whatever things I can do as long as I can have a job. I don't know how to type at that time but I am determined that I could do it if I will try my best to learn. I am so insistent to have the job but he told me he cannot decide. As his alibi, he told me to see the finance officer of the college and if the officer will approve. he will hire me. I do as I was told. Determined to meet the finance officer I found myself standing in the line of students to see the finance officer for approval. Fortunately, he gave me an approval note. I then went back to the Supervisor of the electrical Department and handed him the note. He couldn't believe I made it He was stunned because he was not really interested to hire me, but he was forced to give me a job because of the approval note. He told me to report to his office at exactly 7am the following day and if I can not report on time, I will lost the opportunity. I was there 6:30am and I finally got the job . As the days go by, I learned how to use the pliers and screw drivers. reading electrical meters, assembling florescent lamps and bulbs for laboratory materials. Determination plus hard work can make you succeed.

Use your time wisely. Time is very precious when you work and study at the same time. When the subjects offered were posted, I won't delay lining up my subjects and see to it that my class hours will be straight so that I can work straight also after my class. I set weekly goal for my income. I must see to it that I could pay my tuition with my income. I avoid spending time lingering or roaming around with friends. I bear it in mind that every minute I wasted is my loss. I want to be productive by all means and managing my time is a big deal to me. I make a schedule for everything.

Be honest . In all your dealings with people around you, be honest at all times. It is the best virtue a person must posses. You can earn the trust and respect of everybody wherever you will be specially in your work area, if you are honest and dependable. Your supervisor would love to have you in his department and you will never be out of work. People would want to have you if you can be trusted with small things they could trust you also with bigger ones.

Be on time. Being on time in every appointment, creates a big impression for you as a responsible person. If you will not be able to meet your appointment because of unavoidable circumstance, you should inform the right person ahead of time. In case of emergency, let them know about it. Don't assume that they understand your situation.

Be friendly and cooperative. You should be friendly to your co workers and be willing to cooperate with them. It will help you stay on your job. It is very important that you can get along with people around you. This attitude could help you find success in your work and study. When problem comes, people around you are willing to help because you have build a good relationship with them.

Have a positive attitude. Try to be patient with people who are hard to be with. Don't let their attitude affect your mood or emotion. Take the negative situation as a challenge not a discouragement. Focus your mind to reach your goal. Think!!! that " if others can overcome and succeed. why you cant"? don't dwell on the negative, focus on the positive side of life while you work and study. It is not an easy situation but you can make it if you always have positive attitude in everything that you do.

There are many things you can do to reach your goal and be successful but these things worked for me. If you are determined, honest, have good time management, friendly and cooperative and above all, you have a positive attitude, you will be able to reach the end of your journey. You will become successful.