Teens Speak Up About Summer Jobs
Adanma
Age 15, Mattapan, Teen Voices
When I think about my plans for the summer I have a big question mark in my mind. I don’t know whether or not I will be working or just sitting around counting the summer days until school starts again. For me, working at Teen Voices during the summer is really ideal. Having the opportunity to make a little money during the summer and meet new people doesn’t sound bad at all! Even so, the summer job hunt is a very high stress factor in many lives of the teens in Boston’s communities.
I can’t even count the numerous times I have overheard and been involved in many conversations surrounding the summer job situation. Filling out numerous applications and going to programs that don’t guarantee you a summer job has become part of everyday life for my peers. Not being sure of their summer plans constantly weighs on their minds. It is not an understatement to say that having a summer job is one of the best things that you can do during the summer. There are no other opportunities for teens in Boston other than working. As I see it the only other available option in the long weeks of summer is literally doing nothing.
Last summer and this one coming up I have been blessed enough to have the opportunity to work at Teen Voices. I currently hold the position of a Peer Leader here. I learn many new things and meet many great people. I do and see things that I know would be impossible for me to do if I wasn’t working here. I know that summer jobs are good for teens because I know what a great experience I’ve had at Teen Voices. If I didn’t have a summer job, I would probably waste my summer away, counting the days, hours, and seconds until school starts again.
I know that I am one of the select few who have a summer job. I hope that this summer there more jobs available because there is a great necessity. My peers need summer jobs. I think that they not only need them but they want them more than anything. Teens not only work during the summer, but they build relationships at these jobs and gain skills that they can use later on in life. One of these summer jobs may even provide teens with an idea of what career they might want to pursue in the future. Teens find their mentors, best friends, and, most importantly, themselves at these jobs. These jobs may solve a lot of issues. Summer jobs are great for everyone!
Michael
Age 17, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Square Task Force
At first, I worked for money. However, as I began to take part in the real world of working, I realized that there are many meaningful values of working. Having a job with the Hyde Square Task Force allows me to work and serve the community at the same time. I have noticed that working can change a person from the inside. It has made me grow as an individual and gain better perspective on the real world.
Working is important for teens. Most of the teens work for money because they want fancy clothes, jewelry and much more. For me, it is much more than a paycheck because it has kept me out of trouble and changed me into the person I am today.
Tevin
Age 15, Roxbury, Hyde Square Task Force
If I didn’t have a job, I probably would end up doing something stupid and get in trouble. Many people I know would benefit from having a job, but instead, they spend their time hanging out with the wrong people and end up hurting themselves. I don’t want to end up like them and I will always occupy myself with something positive, such as having a job!
Cisnell
Age 16, Roslindale, Hyde Square Task Force
I am always willing to try something new. That is one of the main reasons why I have a job. I work because I want to have new experiences where I learn new skills and get paid doing it! It is also a good way to keep busy and learn to be responsible and somewhat independent. There is something important about being able to pay for your own things. I think many teens work for the experience and the money. Teens like to be up to date with the current trends, and having a job will allow them to help pay for their own expenses. More importantly, having a job also allows us to help out in our family with the bills and saving for college. If I didn’t have a job, I would have all the free time in the world and I wouldn’t know what to do with myself!
Have a job opening for teens?
You can fill out a form at Boston Private Industry Council, call (617) 542-9675, or email josh.bruno@bostonpic.org.
Or contact the Mayor's Boston Youth Fund by calling (617) 635-4202 or emailing cfaletra@ci.boston.ma.us.