Bella Gibbs, a junior on Kent State’s dance team, is used to having a busy schedule.

Between practice, games, class and homework, finding time to be social and focus on friends and family is tough. Finding that time becomes even more difficult for those who have a job. 

“It’s moments like those I often find myself not having time for,” Gibbs said. 

A regular schedule for a dance team member includes practice two to three times a week, classes daily and performances at home football, women’s and men’s basketball games, Gibbs said. 

She works two jobs Monday through Friday in addition to that schedule. 

“A lot of my in-between time is dedicated to schoolwork, so I’m trying to find a balance for academics, work and also my social life,” Gibbs said. 

Coaches, friends and family have been very supportive when it comes to adapting to her busy schedule, she said.

Sydney Miller, a junior track team and cross country team member at Kent State, keeps busy with practices five days a week and track meets every other week – and she works two jobs. 

“Being financially stable is extremely important,” Miller said. “Not everyone can afford to just not work.”

For these two athletes, jobs have been accommodating to their busy schedules. They have worked around their athletics and their classes. 

Coaches should be more understanding when it comes to athletes with jobs, Miller said. 

“I miss our lifts every single week because I’m working, and I understand that can be frustrating for coaches,” Miller said. “I don’t want to have to work, but I unfortunately have things that I have to pay for.”

Although student-athletes with jobs are rare to find, there are still students who have to work while continuing their education. 

“I think a lot of the time we look at college athletes as a basketball player, a football player or a cheerleader,” Gibbs said. “We forget that they’re students too. They are working too. They are trying to manage relationships too.”

Chloe Wilson-Henline is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].