January 15, 2025
by Zeth Angelo Bacaoco
For many students, the journey through higher education is far from straightforward. While some enjoy the luxury of focusing solely on their studies, others must balance their academic workload with jobs to support themselves and their families. For some, it is a necessity; for others, it’s a way to gain experience and independence. But what does it really take to be a working student? Meet three working students—Rizza Arnoza, Oscar Castillo, and Michael Deviza—who are learning to navigate the complex world of work and school.
Rizza Arnoza: Juggling Dreams and Responsibilities
Rizza Arnoza, a 4th-year student and reigning AISAT Ambassadress, advocates for working students and has worked as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for over four years. What started as a way to support her family during the pandemic has evolved into a meaningful part of her life.
“I became an ESL teacher during the pandemic to help provide for my family while continuing my education,” she explains.
Her greatest inspiration for working while studying comes from her dreams and the responsibility she bears as her family’s breadwinner. Balancing her academic workload with teaching shifts, and extracurricular activities is no easy feat.
“The toughest challenge was juggling work, studies, research, and even a pageant last semester. But I kept pushing through, even when I felt exhausted,” she shares.
Her time management skills have been crucial.
“A typical day for me is a non-stop cycle of home-school-home-school,” she says. “I’ve learned to multi-task, and I always try to take time to relax and reset when things get overwhelming.”
She admits that balancing work and academics is challenging, but it has also given her life skills she believes will benefit her long-term.
“I’ve learned to be more confident, to speak my mind, and to deal with challenges head-on,” she explains.
Oscar Castillo: Finding Balance and Patience
Oscar Castillo, a third-year AMT student, works as a crew member at McDonald’s, a job he took after seeing a hiring post on Facebook in his first year of college.
“I needed extra allowance to support my studies and have some money for myself, friends, and loved ones,” he says.
Managing his time has been possible due to McDonald’s flexibility in adjusting his shifts around his academic schedule. However, his journey has not been without struggles.
“In my second year, my schedule was overloaded, and I had to work midnight shifts from 12 am to 6 am. It wasn’t great for my health, but I had no choice,” he shares.
Despite the challenges, he has gained valuable life lessons, including learning to make compromises and weigh the pros and cons of his decisions.
“I’ve become more self-aware and learned to cope with stress by jogging without music, which helps me clear my mind.”, he says.
The support from his family and friends has been crucial, as they understand his dedication to balancing work and school.
“My professors sometimes allow me to be late, and my family always takes care of me.”, he says.
Michael Deviza: Learning the Ropes of Real Life
Michael Deviza, a third-year AMT student, has taken on a hands-on role as a helper mechanic at an automobile shop. His journey into the workforce started out of curiosity.
“I wanted to see how working students manage their time and gain more real-life experience,” he explains.
With a class schedule that only takes up half the week, Michael dedicates the rest of his time to work, with Sundays as his designated rest day. But, like his fellow working students, he has faced scheduling conflicts, especially when group projects require coordination with classmates.
“Sometimes I have to miss work to attend school projects, but my boss understands and allows me to take the day off,” he shares.
His biggest challenge has been the exhaustion of balancing work and school.
“At the end of the day, I’m always tired, but I remind myself that this is preparing me for the future,” he says.
His job has also helped him improve his social skills and decision-making abilities, which he believes will benefit him in his future career as an aircraft mechanic.
“Working as a mechanic has given me valuable insight into the working world, as it’s directly related to my field of study,” he explains.
Common Threads: Resilience, Sacrifice, and Growth
Despite their different career paths, Rizza, Oscar, and Michael share common experiences—the struggles of managing conflicting schedules, balancing school and work, and making sacrifices to ensure academic success. They all emphasize the importance of time management, mental fortitude, and seeking support when needed.
Their experiences have shaped both their personal growth and academic performance.
“I’ve learned to compromise and accept that not everything will be easy,’ says Oscar.
Michael shares a similar sentiment: “Working has made me more independent and taught me how to make decisions for myself.”
For Rizza, her job has boosted her confidence and communication skills. “It’s helped me in my studies, especially in speaking up in class,” she says.
Advice for Aspiring Working Students
All three students offer advice to those considering balancing work and studies.
“Think twice and assess your capabilities before committing,” says Oscar.
“It’s not easy, and not everyone can handle the load.”
Michael advises, “Be prepared physically and mentally, and always show respect to your co-workers.”
Meanwhile, Rizza suggests, “Believe in yourself, set goals, and keep pushing forward. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it in the end.”
The journey hasn’t always been smooth for Rizza, Oscar, and Michael, but the lessons they’ve learned will last a lifetime. From building resilience to gaining invaluable skills, their experiences shape them into well-rounded individuals prepared for both academic and professional challenges. As they continue forward, they prove that with hard work, determination, and a strong support system, anything is possible.