School in general is stressful, but imagine having to focus on school and to top that off, have a job. Sure, being able to have money to spend during high school is great, and it can be very hard to balance both, but it’s not impossible.

Katie Tesson, a junior at Pattonville, has learned that if she works hard, and stays focused in school, she can do great at both.

Keeping her grades up can be difficult so she said it is good to always have a game plan.

“I make sure to do all of my homework,” Tesson said.

Staying focused also helps. To help junior Kristina Lisotskaya with her grades, shes keeps a planner, or a calendar, to stay organized.

To get rid of stress, Lisotskaya, who works at Oberweis Dairy, drinks coffee and makes sure she studies hard.

Having a job that is very understanding of getting an education is very helpful. Some bosses may let students off early, if need be. And some may work around a student’s schedule all together.

“They give me hours that do not conflict with school and special events,” Lisotskaya said.