Spend a little time on campus and you will soon figure out that college is expensive, so you call mom and dad and ask for some money only to get the dreaded response of: "it's time to get a job."  Ok that sounds simple enough, and then you realize that you have a major project due tomorrow. You just thought college was going to be all fun.
    Working while going through school is one of the biggest struggles students face.  You think exams are hard, imagine having to work, study, and try to have some kind of social life all at the same time.  Talk about an impossible task.  Andrew Galleher, senior in Journalism and Electronic media said the biggest struggle he faces is, " outside of class projects and homework."  When you work and attempt to take classes full time that leaves hardly any time for outside work.
    Kristina Shermer, a freshman in early childhood education, knows all to well the struggles of managing school and work.  Kristina works full time for the University of Tennessee, Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. till 1:30 a.m.  When asked what was the hardest part about working 40 hours a week on top of school she said, "the lack of sleep from working till 1:30 a.m. and having early classes the next morning."
Everyone has had those professors that seem to think that the only thing we have to do is go to their class.  Unfortunately for all students that is not true.  We've got other classes and homework, then you add a job.  So that professor wants you to read 45 pages and turn in a three page paper the next class, looks like it is going to be another all nighter at the library, after work of course.  
Personally, as a student that works full time and goes to school the hardest part for me is around finals time.  When everything seems to be crashing down around you and you have so much on your plate that you don't think you can survive, you have to go to work.  
With all these obstacles and hardships of working, we still manage to get everything done.  For the majority our homework is turned in on time, our projects are done, and we even sometimes manage to stay awake in class.  So next time that student in your class nods off or looks frazzled, it may not be because they went out all night, they may have just had to work.  Also, if you are a student that works, be proud of yourself because you are working your way through school and that truly is a major accomplishment.