Summer jobs serve as rites of passage for many young adults who are learning the ropes of the “real world.” Yonesha James said she is earning money to help with college expenses and making friends along the way.
James, a Mississippi State University student and Columbus High School alumna, is working this summer as a sales associate at Columbus’ Old Navy.
The 19-year-old began her employment at the chain in October 2014, but with schoolwork limiting working hours during the school year, she considers the occupation primarily a summer job.
“During the summer I try to work 25 to 30 hours a week,” James said.
As a sales associate, James completes everything from folding clothes and managing dressing rooms to serving as cashier, stocking shelves and changing price tags.
Of course, James had to work her way up to all that responsibility.
“At first, I just folded [clothes], and after being here a while, you learn how to work the cash register, use the machines, restock. That kind of stuff,” she said.
James enjoys her summer gig. She said many of the 50 sales associates at the Old Navy are around her age, making working fun.
“It’s like having friends as co-workers,” James said. “Everyone’s a big family.”
James describes her position at the franchise retailer as “a good beginner job.”
She said she got the position by submitting a resume her high school helped her create. She applied to work at multiple retail stores in Columbus, and Old Navy responded first.
“My favorite part [about the job] is helping other people pick out outfits,” James said. “I like forming the outfits in my head.”
James also said she sees a lot of former classmates and familiar faces pass through the store each week, and her employee discount serves as another perk.
With scholarship money covering her tuition, James uses her wages for housing and other necessities.
James biggest lesson this summer: Learning to budget.
“I just paid my first bill for my apartment [Friday],” James said. “Having my own money has taught me to save.”
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