Part-Time Employment Undermines Students Commitment to School

Summary/Response Part-time Employment Undermines Students Commitment to School

Summary: In the essay, "Part-time Employment Undermines a Student's Commitment to School" by Laurence Steinberg, it explains how studies show that teenagers that work while attending school are more likely to loose their commitment to school. Steinberg tells the affects on students when they work more than twenty hours a week. His theory was that students are more susceptible to losing their interest in school, while working. They may have to work in the evening time, which can interfere with homework, sleep and diet. Steinberg also elaborated on how these students that work receive money that can make school seem less desirable. Also because they do receive money, they can use their extra money to become associated with drugs and alcohol.

Steinberg's review of this subject shows the affects of what can happen if adolescents work while going to school and how this can engage them in drugs and have less engagement in school and other related activities.

Response: I agree with Steinberg that working affects adolescents that are going to school. I believe that teenagers should concentrate on their studies and not become overwhelmed with the added stress of work. There is plenty of time for them to learn the "real world" of working, so why not let them be kids and have them worry about their homework and after school chores, rather than trying to make the almighty dollar.

I like the way Steinberg explains how a simple job can lead to so much more. Parents do not always realize that yes, it is good for a teenager to learn responsibility, but getting a job at that age is not always the right thing to do. Each child is different some may be able to handle it, but most can not. This study shows the effects of how good students can change by working and going to school and how students that already have lost interest in school can loose even more interest and even drop out completely.

Overall, this essay explains an important subject matter that a lot of students are currently partaking in. I agree with Steinberg's perception of this subject matter and I hope that more students focus on their studies instead of rushing into the concerns of working and possibly ruing their future careers.