2008 Woodie Awards
Students find challenges in combining work and school
Autumn Boaz
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: News
Autumn Boaz
Editor in Chief
Some people depend on the clocks hanging on the walls in their classrooms. Others sport a wristwatch, and some people pop out their cell phones when they need to check the time.
But regardless of the method used to count the minutes, the clock is always ticking.
For college students, cramming school, work and some form of a social life into a 24-hour day can often pose a problem.
"I guess the hardest part of balancing is finding enough hours in the day," Susan Marinoff, administrative secretary of sponsored programs, said.
Marinoff began working full-time at Murray State 10 years ago and began as a part-time student nine years ago. She plans to graduate in May with a major in public relations and a minor in advertising.
The typical four-year process has been a slow one for Marinoff, but her plan of action has always been steady - something she said she takes pride in.
"At times I had to take just one class a semester," she said. "That's why it's taken so long (to graduate). If I had a class during the day I had to make up the work hours."
For students who share similar circumstances, Marinoff said she suggests pairing a hard class with an enjoyable elective to avoid being bombarded with too much difficult work. She said she also recommends students research professors before enrolling in a particular class. Her most important philosophy, however, is one she herself has had to refer to many times throughout her nine-year college career.
"Try not to stop if at all possible," Marinoff said. "I thought one semester I would have to stop, but then I probably wouldn't start again."
For students who receive financial support from outside sources, work is often secondary - but for other students, work is an utmost priority.
"I've worked my entire way through school," senior from Murray and bartender at J. Edwards Noelle Olsen said. "I've worked up to 40 hours a week and I was taking, like, 15 or 16 hours of class."
Editor in Chief
Some people depend on the clocks hanging on the walls in their classrooms. Others sport a wristwatch, and some people pop out their cell phones when they need to check the time.
But regardless of the method used to count the minutes, the clock is always ticking.
For college students, cramming school, work and some form of a social life into a 24-hour day can often pose a problem.
"I guess the hardest part of balancing is finding enough hours in the day," Susan Marinoff, administrative secretary of sponsored programs, said.
Marinoff began working full-time at Murray State 10 years ago and began as a part-time student nine years ago. She plans to graduate in May with a major in public relations and a minor in advertising.
The typical four-year process has been a slow one for Marinoff, but her plan of action has always been steady - something she said she takes pride in.
"At times I had to take just one class a semester," she said. "That's why it's taken so long (to graduate). If I had a class during the day I had to make up the work hours."
For students who share similar circumstances, Marinoff said she suggests pairing a hard class with an enjoyable elective to avoid being bombarded with too much difficult work. She said she also recommends students research professors before enrolling in a particular class. Her most important philosophy, however, is one she herself has had to refer to many times throughout her nine-year college career.
"Try not to stop if at all possible," Marinoff said. "I thought one semester I would have to stop, but then I probably wouldn't start again."
For students who receive financial support from outside sources, work is often secondary - but for other students, work is an utmost priority.
"I've worked my entire way through school," senior from Murray and bartender at J. Edwards Noelle Olsen said. "I've worked up to 40 hours a week and I was taking, like, 15 or 16 hours of class."
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