Melanie Madison - Codorus, Pa. Karen Mannard - San Luis Obispo, Calif. Bryan Mansell - Humble, Texas April Marrs - Duncanville, Texas Heather Martin - Crestview, Fla. Kevin Martin - Jackson, Tenn. Paying for School: Students stay busy to help parents with the bill For many of us, the idea of working our way through school is a hard concept to grasp. However, many students could not be at Harding if they did not work one or more part-time jobs. Juggling a boyfriend, school work and club activities, Tanya Biddle spent her junior year working at Taco Bell and ARAMARK. She averaged 35 hours a week and carried a course load of 16 and 18 hours, respectively. "I finally had to quit catering. After all, I had to sleep sometime," Biddle said. For Biddle, finances have not always been a problem. During her freshman year her parents contributed what they could. "I've always had loans and a scholarship, so I'm not afraid I won't have any money," she said. Regrettably, being in college requires study. Needless to say, finding time was always difficult. After Biddle quit one job, things were easier and her grades improved. Few people come to Harding without being involved with social clubs. Trying to find time for her club was another strain on her time. "Between my job and classes, I had little time for anything else," Biddle said. For others who are in the same situation, Biddle said, "Doing all of this didn't kill me, but I'm glad that I don't have to do it anymore. Hopefully, anyone who does have to do what I did can find a different way." Ki-Sun Lee spent last semester working between 28 and 38 hours a week and carried a course load of 14 hours. Lee said, "Just work and school, that's what it's all about. A typical day for me was getting up, going to classes, then working from 4:00 to 11:30 or 12:00. After work, I'd go home, and if there was any homework, I'd try to get it done before bed. The next day, I'd get up and it Sophomore DaniHallmarkmakes change for acustomerat the Jr. Foodstore in Searcy. Many students every year work at convenience stores or fast food restaurants in order to support themselves through college. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. would start all over again." Lee was a member of Regina social club, but her work and class schedules were so heavy that club activities were greatly restricted. She said, "I didn't have a lot of a social life. My work hours were always conflicting with my friends, and we didn't get to spend much time together." Dani Hallmark, a sophomore special education major from Minneapolis, Minn., spent most of her time working at a convenience store. She spent an average of 35 hours a week there and 14 hours in class. "Friday and Saturday nights I couldn't do anything because I had to work. During the week I got home, did homework and was never in bed before 3:00 a.m," she said. Financial aid paid for her school bill, but it was the other expenses, including a car payment, which prompted her to work. "The cost of living at other schools is too high. There are no schools where my parents live, so the responsibility falls on me if I want an education," Hallmark said. Balancing school and a job, many students found themselves dividing their time between being a college student and a working adult. Clubs, sports and friends were often pushed aside due to a hectic work schedule and an even more hectic school schedule. Through these students, those of us who were fortunate enough to not have to work could geta taste ofwhat life after school might be like. Through them, we learned to appreciate our easy college life. - Beth Smith Greg Massey - Bethany, Okla. Jean Massie - Memphis, Tenn. Kelly Masterson - Salida, Colo. Greg Mathews - The Woodlands, Texas Kayte Mathis - Niles, Mich. Lena Maximova - Dubna, Russia
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