All Prep students are busy balancing athletics and academics, but some of them have an extra challenge: a job outside of school. Even though work may be an added element to their schedules, many of those working students are able to incorporate what they love into their work. Though balancing work and school can be challenging, the reward of doing what they love makes it all worthwhile.
Estee Sawn ’26 has been working at Bogey Boys golf and everyday apparel brand, owned by singer Macklemore, for the past month and a half. Working retail was something new to her, however, she loves talking and finding connections with people and broadening her community.
She had to take into consideration her time because starting a new job and school at the same time (can be challenging), but Estee says, “I started to acclimate to my new schedule, and writing out to-do lists was helpful in keeping me organized.” She’s learned so much, as many of the people she works with are much older than her and give her insightful advice and information.
Ava Johnson ’24 currently works at Vertical World, a rock-climbing gym, and has been working there since June of this past summer. Ava has experienced her parents’ love for rock climbing since she was just two years old. Although she has to work during an already busy week, the little kids’ excitement and eagerness to learn make it all worth it.
Working in a climbing gym can be very dangerous. Ava says, “I’ve had to learn to be more mature to be able to handle difficult situations and take my responsibility as a coach very seriously.” Her responsibilities in making sure that the kids have fun are important to her because she wants to ensure that they have the same passion and love for rock climbing as she does.
Millie Matthews ‘26 has been working at Seattle Gymnastics Academy (SGA) as a gymnastics coach for about three years now. She teaches at all levels; however, she is taking a break during the school year to focus on her academics. While working at SGA she has made many new friends, and one of her favorite parts of her job is hanging out with the staff.
Not only is her job at SGA good socially, but has also helped her with many life skills, including talking to adults. As Millie says, “I learned it’s okay for people to get mad at me, and that it is just fine to make mistakes because we all make them.”
These extraordinary students balance so much in their school days but still find time to enjoy their jobs. From rock climbing to retail, not only do they learn to thrive in a working environment but also learn many life lessons that they will implement into their own lives.
