March 1975 Blast from the Past
NEIRAD enilno edition
Following in the financial footsteps of last month’s Blast From the Past, Neirad has chosen a story which highlights a reality for students in 1975 and 2010. In our current economic downturn, more and more students are turning to the job market, similar to our DHS alumni who held jobs because they needed the extra cash. Students in 2010 certainly earn a higher wage, but have not strayed too far from the common jobs of 1975. Comparing those times to today, their hourly wages can’t even buy a Tall Starbucks Latte.
Students 'Taking Care Of Business'
March 11, 1975
By SUSAN LANE and MISSY McMAHON
Neirad recently conducted a survey in selected homerooms to determine approximately how many students work, how much they are paid, and what kinds of jobs they hold or have held. "Need the money" is the overwhelming response as to the reason students
work, and many cite this as the only reason. Although the majority of the students are happy with their jobs, most wouldn't work if they didn't need the money.
The most common job is that of a salesclerk, or a counter attendant. Many students also have had summer jobs as caddies, lifeguards, doing general yard-work, painting houses or being a mother's helper. Several unusual jobs included working in a kennel, being an accountant, and writing for a Darien weekly paper.
The majority of sophomores do not work, probably due to the fact that many are not 16, or have recently turned 16. The a-ie~age wage for those sophomores who work is $2.15 an hour, and they work an average of 14.6 hours per week.
The majority of juniors surveyed have jobs, and generally enjoy working, although there are more complaints about wages and/or hours than sophomores have. Many are searching for job and once again all are encountering difficulties. The average wage is $2.30 an hour, higher than sophomores, probably due to the fact that since they' were older they have more experience. The average work
week is 19.6 hours.
Aslim majority of seniors do have jobs - the average wage is again higher for seniors, $3.30 per hour. However, some have tutoring jobs which pay anywhere from $5.00 to $7.50 an hour; not including these jobs, the wages were still higher at an averavage of $2.51. Not many seniors are looking for jobs. The average work week for seniors is 16.8 hours.
Many high school students are also working as volunters for nonprofit organizations. There are a number of services in this area which depend on high school volunteers for their existence. There are approximately 20 DHS students who are currently volunteering their energies at Centre Stone, a counseling center. A volunteer normally spends three hours a week on duty at Centre Stone, maniing the hotline and directing people who might personally visit the center.
Catie Ilndsey is one of several high school girls who devotes three hours a week as a candy striper at Stamford Hospital. One duty of the candy striper is to deliver patient medication to the nurses. at a designated station. According to Catie, one trains for the work as a candy striper by spending some time observing and working with experienced volunteers.
Approximately 45 high school students are members of Post 53, a volunteer organization which runs an ambulance for the town and provides medical supervision at Darien High School football, basketball and hockey games. A student must complete a 20 hour course on Standard First Aid before he becomes a member of the Post. Courses in Advanced First Aid and training as an Emergency Medical Technician are offered to more experienced members. Every Post 53 member works six hours every other week, plus additional time on the weekends.
Seven volunteer members of the Stratton Ski Patrol come from Darien High School. Bill Holmes, who is a first year member of the patrol, told Neirad that training in advanced first aid is a requirement of every volunteer. Candidates must also take toboggan and skiing tests before they become a member of the patrol. Members of the ski patrol from Darien High School are on duty at Stratton almost every weekend.
