Many seniors and juniors have jobs outside of the classroom, but they are also responsible for completing their classwork. Recently students have been involved in the Co-Op class, allowing them to be released early and go to work if they work at least 15 hours per week. However, is this class encouraging students to prioritize their jobs over their classwork and education?

“I think it’s a good idea. And it’s like a good way for students to prioritize both school and work at the same time. But also I feel like it could have a bad effect on their school work ethic just because they can go home early for work doesn’t mean they are thinking about their assignments that are due that day or week,” senior Faith Rodriguez said.

Many students have questions as to why this class is only an option for seniors who already have the opportunity of early release and also why students choose Co-Op when they can take an early release to go to work as well.

“If I had enough credit, I would probably take an early release, but since I need another credit. Leaving early with Co-Op, you get an extra credit for that so it’s kind of like a free credit,” junior Julia Jolly said.

I am a senior with a job, who stays on top of my assignments and is taking an early release. I do not prioritize my minimum wage job over school work because I do not work over 13 hours a week during the school year. Therefore, I can use my time to keep up with assignments and grades. As well as having a social life outside of school and my job.

In some cases, like having financial trouble at home, needing to help pay the bills, or taking on other financial burdens, it is understandable why some might prioritize their job over their school work. However, staying on top of your grades and assignments can give you a better chance for success in the future.

“My parents are starting to pay for less things and I have to focus on paying those bills and material items now. [For example,] my hair costs a decent amount of money, which is [almost] my entire paycheck. So I pretty much make my own money so that I can spend it instead of using my parents’ money,” Jolly said.

At the end of the day, every student will choose if they want to prioritize their high school job over their education or focus heavily on their studies while working two to three days a week.