Have you ever wondered why students start working during high school? Well according to The Daily Bruin 57% of students work because they want some extra income. At Proviso East High School (PEHS), some students and teachers shared their experiences and thoughts.

According to World Civilization and Black History Teacher Micaela Soto, “I think that there are a few major reasons that students start working: one is that they have time, two is they want to help their family, and three is they want to be able to buy their own things.”

Some teachers who have their own children said that their kids want or have a job because they want to have their own money.

According to Math Teacher Dale Pujit, one of his sons said, “He wants money to buy extra stuff.”

Teachers also think that some students struggle in school because they work; they take their job more important than school.

Isabel Castellano, a Physics and Biology Teacher, said, “I have had students in the past who work and do bad in school.”

Money for Themselves and Others

Alondra Zavalza, a senior at PEHS, said, “I use money for myself and my sister,”

Luis Cortes, who graduated last year, said, “I just wanted money”

Helping Their Families

Twelve and eleventh graders at Proviso East High School work because they want money and other students work because they have responsibilities, and they want to help their parents.

Yorleni Boror, a former student, said she worked “because I wanted to help my mom and to help my brother, pay necessary stuff for the house.” She added, “And I send money to my mom, pay the rent, pay phone bill and my own stuff.”

Senior Aylin Garcia said, “I save, I give a little to my parents and I pay for my things. I am one of the people who does not like to ask their parents for money.”

Jasmine Mireles said, “Half of it I save for like my personal stuff and the other half I give it to my parents for their stuff.”

Antonio Miranda said, “I work to gain money.I save my money and another part I use it for myself, and another part I give it to my parents.”

Senior Amy Franco said, “I want to help my mom, like pay bills. I save and give some to my mom.”

Students who do not have a job but want to work said that they want a job to help their parents, to get distracted, and to have their own money.

Learning How to Be Better

Senior Wendy Castelan said she works “so that I can have money, and to learn to be more responsible. I am going to save it and going to use it to buy my things.” She added,