Summer Jobs: A Guide for Getting Hired
By Katie Applequist
NORTHRIDGE- Summer is almost here, and that means no responsibilities for three whole months. Three months of sleeping in, hanging out, doing anything and everything you want. Or not. Summer is a time to experience life … and one of the biggest life experiences is working.
A summer job is a great opportunity to become more self-sufficient, learn something new, and make some money of your own for the future.
But how do you get a job?
The first thing you need to do is find one. Ask the places you frequent if they are hiring, ask your friends if they know of anywhere, or even look online. But how do you know if you’ll like that job? Guidance Counselor Jenny Rauchenstein says, ¨A summer job or your first job out of high school isn’t going to be your passion. You aren’t going to change the world with it. So lower your expectations and find something you like about it. Maybe it’s your coworkers, maybe it’s how much time you get to spend outside. It doesn’t matter, just find something about the job that you like.”
Okay, now that you’ve found something you won’t be completely miserable doing, the first step to landing that summer gig is the application. Be honest and fill it out completely, but don’t stress when they ask about prior work experience and you don’t have any. Rauchenstein says, “Make sure you write neatly or type the application. The application will also ask for references. These people can be teachers or parents’ friends, but they can’t be family and they have to like you. The most important thing to remember is that you need to set yourself apart from other applicants. Even if they don’t ask for one, always submit a resume.”
Okay, I submitted an application and now they want to interview me.
The interview is the deciding factor in whether or not you will become an employee. No pressure. All you have to do is impress the interviewer. So how do you do that? Dress up. Some black dress pants or khakis and a nice shirt will do. Remember to shake their hand. And I don’t mean a limp noodle handshake. My strategy is to always be the first to make contact, squeeze just as much as they are squeezing (neither of you want all of the bones in your hand turned to dust), and to make eye contact and smile. Rauchenstein says, “Preparation is the key to success. Look up common interview questions and have someone, a friend, a parent, a grandparent, ask you them.”
Haley Drumm (‘18) is going to be a lifeguard at Zoombezi Bay this summer. “I wanted to work there because it’s bigger so you get more experience and there isn’t as much sitting around and being bored.” Drumm said there wasn’t much of an interview process, just a lot of training; Drumm is CPR certified, trained in first aid, and has completed in-pool training.
Abigail Travis (‘19) works at the Alexandria Public Library. “I love organizing the books and putting new ones into circulation. The people are great and it’s a nice, quiet environment.” Travis says that she got the job because she needed to pay for gas and wanted to save money for college.
Abby Jesenko (‘18) works at Kroger. “I chose to work there because I knew people who worked there. The only thing I wish I’d have known about the job was that it wasn’t just bagging, it’s also taking out the trash and cleaning bathrooms.”
Emma Garee (‘20) works at Whit’s. “Working at Whit’s has taught me a lot about how to deal with difficult customers, and it has given me so much free ice cream. When I was interviewed for the job, I was so nervous because I struggle with social situations like that. I really wish I had known what to say when my future boss asked me what my biggest weakness is. But it turned out okay because he offered me the job on the spot after the interview.”
- Katie Applequist (‘18) is a second year member and Entertainment Editor of the Viking Vault
By Katie Applequist
NORTHRIDGE- Summer is almost here, and that means no responsibilities for three whole months. Three months of sleeping in, hanging out, doing anything and everything you want. Or not. Summer is a time to experience life … and one of the biggest life experiences is working.
A summer job is a great opportunity to become more self-sufficient, learn something new, and make some money of your own for the future.
But how do you get a job?
The first thing you need to do is find one. Ask the places you frequent if they are hiring, ask your friends if they know of anywhere, or even look online. But how do you know if you’ll like that job? Guidance Counselor Jenny Rauchenstein says, ¨A summer job or your first job out of high school isn’t going to be your passion. You aren’t going to change the world with it. So lower your expectations and find something you like about it. Maybe it’s your coworkers, maybe it’s how much time you get to spend outside. It doesn’t matter, just find something about the job that you like.”
Okay, now that you’ve found something you won’t be completely miserable doing, the first step to landing that summer gig is the application. Be honest and fill it out completely, but don’t stress when they ask about prior work experience and you don’t have any. Rauchenstein says, “Make sure you write neatly or type the application. The application will also ask for references. These people can be teachers or parents’ friends, but they can’t be family and they have to like you. The most important thing to remember is that you need to set yourself apart from other applicants. Even if they don’t ask for one, always submit a resume.”
Okay, I submitted an application and now they want to interview me.
The interview is the deciding factor in whether or not you will become an employee. No pressure. All you have to do is impress the interviewer. So how do you do that? Dress up. Some black dress pants or khakis and a nice shirt will do. Remember to shake their hand. And I don’t mean a limp noodle handshake. My strategy is to always be the first to make contact, squeeze just as much as they are squeezing (neither of you want all of the bones in your hand turned to dust), and to make eye contact and smile. Rauchenstein says, “Preparation is the key to success. Look up common interview questions and have someone, a friend, a parent, a grandparent, ask you them.”
Haley Drumm (‘18) is going to be a lifeguard at Zoombezi Bay this summer. “I wanted to work there because it’s bigger so you get more experience and there isn’t as much sitting around and being bored.” Drumm said there wasn’t much of an interview process, just a lot of training; Drumm is CPR certified, trained in first aid, and has completed in-pool training.
Abigail Travis (‘19) works at the Alexandria Public Library. “I love organizing the books and putting new ones into circulation. The people are great and it’s a nice, quiet environment.” Travis says that she got the job because she needed to pay for gas and wanted to save money for college.
Abby Jesenko (‘18) works at Kroger. “I chose to work there because I knew people who worked there. The only thing I wish I’d have known about the job was that it wasn’t just bagging, it’s also taking out the trash and cleaning bathrooms.”
Emma Garee (‘20) works at Whit’s. “Working at Whit’s has taught me a lot about how to deal with difficult customers, and it has given me so much free ice cream. When I was interviewed for the job, I was so nervous because I struggle with social situations like that. I really wish I had known what to say when my future boss asked me what my biggest weakness is. But it turned out okay because he offered me the job on the spot after the interview.”
- Katie Applequist (‘18) is a second year member and Entertainment Editor of the Viking Vault
Newspaper staff takes on Channel 6
By Meg Castle
NORTHRIDGE - The Northridge newspaper staff took a field trip to the Channel 6 news station located in Columbus, Ohio on April 20th to tour and experience the station.
The staff headed to the station at around 9:15 in the morning and toured around until about 11:30 that morning. The arrangements were organized by Cora Dorman (18’) after she got in touch with one of the employees at the news station.
The tour started out in a conference room, where the Six On Your Side investigative team discussed and talked to the newspaper staff, giving pointers and advice to those interested in journalism in their future.
Mackenzie Holder (‘19) explained, “This trip was helpful because it was an eye opener for my future.” Mercedes Keim (‘18) followed up by saying, “It was definitely a great experience for anyone looking into that career field.” Rodney Dunigan, an anchor for weekend news and part of the Six On Your Side Team, explained his background in the business, sharing his experiences and advice.
From the conference room, the newspaper staff made their way down to Studio B where they got to meet and talk to weather man, Jym Ganahl. Ganahl spoke about how he made his way into becoming a weatherman at only 17 years old, before explaining how everything took off from there. Ganahl joked about how being a weatherman is an easy job. The newspaper staff then got to explore Studio B, taking photos in front of the green screen, monitors, BAM, and even at the anchor desk. Holder also mentioned, “I thought it was cool that we got the experience to see what goes on behind the news camera.” Ganahl ended the adventure after showing the staff his desk lined with computers. He explained how he set up his broadcast and his techniques for figuring out the weather.
After the tour in Studio B, the staff made their way back to the lobby where they were introduced to EMMY Award winning feature and entertainment reporter Cameron Fontana. Fontana joked and talked with the staff while explaining his job and the amount of fun it is. Fontana told the staff that if they ever had any ideas, to not waste time, and to just go for it.
The staff finished up their field trip by stopping at Raising Cane’s for lunch after their day at Channel 6.
- Megan Castle (‘19) is a Photo Editor for The Viking Vault [email protected]
By Meg Castle
NORTHRIDGE - The Northridge newspaper staff took a field trip to the Channel 6 news station located in Columbus, Ohio on April 20th to tour and experience the station.
The staff headed to the station at around 9:15 in the morning and toured around until about 11:30 that morning. The arrangements were organized by Cora Dorman (18’) after she got in touch with one of the employees at the news station.
The tour started out in a conference room, where the Six On Your Side investigative team discussed and talked to the newspaper staff, giving pointers and advice to those interested in journalism in their future.
Mackenzie Holder (‘19) explained, “This trip was helpful because it was an eye opener for my future.” Mercedes Keim (‘18) followed up by saying, “It was definitely a great experience for anyone looking into that career field.” Rodney Dunigan, an anchor for weekend news and part of the Six On Your Side Team, explained his background in the business, sharing his experiences and advice.
From the conference room, the newspaper staff made their way down to Studio B where they got to meet and talk to weather man, Jym Ganahl. Ganahl spoke about how he made his way into becoming a weatherman at only 17 years old, before explaining how everything took off from there. Ganahl joked about how being a weatherman is an easy job. The newspaper staff then got to explore Studio B, taking photos in front of the green screen, monitors, BAM, and even at the anchor desk. Holder also mentioned, “I thought it was cool that we got the experience to see what goes on behind the news camera.” Ganahl ended the adventure after showing the staff his desk lined with computers. He explained how he set up his broadcast and his techniques for figuring out the weather.
After the tour in Studio B, the staff made their way back to the lobby where they were introduced to EMMY Award winning feature and entertainment reporter Cameron Fontana. Fontana joked and talked with the staff while explaining his job and the amount of fun it is. Fontana told the staff that if they ever had any ideas, to not waste time, and to just go for it.
The staff finished up their field trip by stopping at Raising Cane’s for lunch after their day at Channel 6.
- Megan Castle (‘19) is a Photo Editor for The Viking Vault [email protected]
2018 Promposals
By: Olivia Carpenter
As NHS’s Prom nears, many Promposals have taken place and many are still underway. In our last issue, we gave students ideas of Promposals they could put together for their dates. Some were grand gestures that elicit a lot of attention, and some were smaller, more cliche (but cute) Promposals. Here are some of the Promposals that Northridge students have put together and their dates’ reactions:
Wyatt Bunstine (‘18) made a Promposal for Sydney Miller (‘18). He stood across a creek holding a sign that read “If my puppy eyes don’t work, how about his … Prom?” He brought his dog, Nepali, and gave Sydney ice cream and flowers. She was surprised and said she “really liked the ice cream.” Sydney and Desiree Ecleo (‘18) had to drive to Lobdell in Alexandria, and Desiree led Sydney to the location where Wyatt waited. According to Sydney, Desiree got lost at some point, but they eventually made it to their destination, and the Promposal was executed almost flawlessly.
Gabe Miller (‘18) made a Promposal for Madison Leckrone (‘19) from Granville High school. He made a sign that read “It’s taken me time to makeup my mind, but, would you be my highlight at … PROM?” She said yes and laughed. He gave her makeup. Gabe says when he was preparing for the Promposal, he spent half an hour in the makeup aisle in two different stores.
Graham Garee (‘18) Promposed to Emma Scritchfield (‘18). He arranged for her to win a cake at a square dance Cake Walk that read “Do-Si-Do Ya Wanna Go to Prom?” Emma was very happy, posting it on her social media.
Many Promposals have occurred, and these are just a glimpse of what we’ve seen so far this year. There are also several Promposals to come. For example, Stephen Padilla (‘18) is preparing a Promposal for his girlfriend, Megan Smith (‘18). Prom is only days away now, so those students that have not Promposed yet should definitely get on it!
- Olivia Carpenter ('18) is a staff writer and the Photo Editor of The Viking Vault
By: Olivia Carpenter
As NHS’s Prom nears, many Promposals have taken place and many are still underway. In our last issue, we gave students ideas of Promposals they could put together for their dates. Some were grand gestures that elicit a lot of attention, and some were smaller, more cliche (but cute) Promposals. Here are some of the Promposals that Northridge students have put together and their dates’ reactions:
Wyatt Bunstine (‘18) made a Promposal for Sydney Miller (‘18). He stood across a creek holding a sign that read “If my puppy eyes don’t work, how about his … Prom?” He brought his dog, Nepali, and gave Sydney ice cream and flowers. She was surprised and said she “really liked the ice cream.” Sydney and Desiree Ecleo (‘18) had to drive to Lobdell in Alexandria, and Desiree led Sydney to the location where Wyatt waited. According to Sydney, Desiree got lost at some point, but they eventually made it to their destination, and the Promposal was executed almost flawlessly.
Gabe Miller (‘18) made a Promposal for Madison Leckrone (‘19) from Granville High school. He made a sign that read “It’s taken me time to makeup my mind, but, would you be my highlight at … PROM?” She said yes and laughed. He gave her makeup. Gabe says when he was preparing for the Promposal, he spent half an hour in the makeup aisle in two different stores.
Graham Garee (‘18) Promposed to Emma Scritchfield (‘18). He arranged for her to win a cake at a square dance Cake Walk that read “Do-Si-Do Ya Wanna Go to Prom?” Emma was very happy, posting it on her social media.
Many Promposals have occurred, and these are just a glimpse of what we’ve seen so far this year. There are also several Promposals to come. For example, Stephen Padilla (‘18) is preparing a Promposal for his girlfriend, Megan Smith (‘18). Prom is only days away now, so those students that have not Promposed yet should definitely get on it!
- Olivia Carpenter ('18) is a staff writer and the Photo Editor of The Viking Vault
Goodbye (zai jian) to Chinese teacher
By: Madison Legg
The Chinese teacher, JunTing Hou, is leaving after this school year to go back to China.
She has taught here for the past three years, and she said she has loved it. She said she made lots of new friends and the relationships that she has developed with students have been unforgettable, but when asked if she is ready to leave she said “yes and no.”
She explained that she will miss everyone here and the great memories she made, but she said that she is excited to see her daughter and her parents because she hasn’t seen them in what feels like forever. When she left to take the job at Northridge, her daughter was only 1 year old, so she is returning to a 4-year-old.
When Hou goes back home, she plans on finding a job as a local English teacher. She says that the education is much different in China. She said that there the learning is more student-centered, so this means that the teachers move from class to class instead of the kids moving from class to class. She said that it will be different to change from being a language teacher in America to an English teacher in China.
She also plans on returning to the states soon. She said she is going to try to hold a job visa to come live here because she loves it here. She doesn't know when she will return but she does want to because she said “I really like it here and I would love to come back.”
Many of her students say they will miss her. Olivia Good (‘19) claims that “She taught me a lot and I am going to miss her because I looked forward to going to her class.”
Most agree it will be hard for a new Chinese teacher to live up to Hou’s reputation.
- Madison Legg (‘19) publicity editor and a entertainment editor for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Madison Legg
The Chinese teacher, JunTing Hou, is leaving after this school year to go back to China.
She has taught here for the past three years, and she said she has loved it. She said she made lots of new friends and the relationships that she has developed with students have been unforgettable, but when asked if she is ready to leave she said “yes and no.”
She explained that she will miss everyone here and the great memories she made, but she said that she is excited to see her daughter and her parents because she hasn’t seen them in what feels like forever. When she left to take the job at Northridge, her daughter was only 1 year old, so she is returning to a 4-year-old.
When Hou goes back home, she plans on finding a job as a local English teacher. She says that the education is much different in China. She said that there the learning is more student-centered, so this means that the teachers move from class to class instead of the kids moving from class to class. She said that it will be different to change from being a language teacher in America to an English teacher in China.
She also plans on returning to the states soon. She said she is going to try to hold a job visa to come live here because she loves it here. She doesn't know when she will return but she does want to because she said “I really like it here and I would love to come back.”
Many of her students say they will miss her. Olivia Good (‘19) claims that “She taught me a lot and I am going to miss her because I looked forward to going to her class.”
Most agree it will be hard for a new Chinese teacher to live up to Hou’s reputation.
- Madison Legg (‘19) publicity editor and a entertainment editor for The Viking Vault. [email protected]