Among BVHS students are many students who need jobs to some degree. However, it is typically uncommon for jobs to hire at 15, much less 14. Sophomore Madi Soukup shared her experience working in the Arboretum for the past year.

“I would say it’s great because I get fresh air and the people are nice. [And] depending on what station I’m at, I can get a lot of homework or reading done while at work. My coworkers are also great people” Soukup said.

The Arboretum is a place where people can take walks on the trails in the spring and summer, and see the gardens. Soukup shared why she chose to work at the Arboretum.

“I needed money and it was one of the two places that hired at 14 years old,” Soukup said. 

The opportunity for work below the age of 16 is sparse and it is a challenge to find any work at all. Despite the relaxing sights and manageable workload, Soukup feels like her talents may belong elsewhere. She believes that if she had the opportunity to work at any job when she got hired, she would know what she would choose.

Soukup said, “I really like my job, but I feel like a coffee shop would be a fun place to work at.”