For the first time in my life I understand the meaning of patience- not because of a yoga class I did or an experience I had in a long line at Tysons.  I have learned patience because of my often frustrating but fulfilling part-time job.  

There is just nothing like staying an hour past closing in order to please a customer — it to teaches you to suck up your pride and get the job done without a grade to justify hard work.  No test, essay or sport can teach you that.  
“It’s the idea of a job, it gives you a different experience than in the classroom.

It’s not academic, and it helps with skills like completing a task,” said College Counselor Betsy Schneider.

Although it takes sacrifices, the ability to balance school, a part time job and other extracurricular activities, is so valuable.  

“It’s helped me to learn that I can take responsibilities well.  I’ve also had a lot of experience being a coworker and developing a new kind of relationship,” said senior Anna Pick.

Through colleagues, patients and customers, you get to meet people you otherwise wouldn’t meet — people who have not necessarily gotten a college degree but are still hard working.  Being able to work well with them and others who are not in your age group is something I’ll use throughout the rest of my life.  You’re not going to get that experience just by going to school or playing sports.

Simply put, a part-time job builds character.  It builds courage when admitting a mistake to your boss.  It teaches compliance when not everything  goes your way.  It knocks you down a peg, and at the same time humbles your perspective on life.