In the state of Illinois, the minimum age to work is 16 years old. This means that students are able to get jobs during their sophomore year of high school. Many students take up part-time jobs in food service, retail, and many others. Many Whitney Young students have worked at restaurants such as Parlor Pizza Bar and Somerset, as well as retail stores such as Brandy Melville and J. Crew. I, personally, have worked at The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on the Lake, Commonwealth Plaza as a lifeguard, and now work at Parlor Pizza Bar in Wicker Park. I began working during summers then transitioned into working during the school year during my free time. It is highly recommended that students get jobs to learn to balance with school and work, as well as to get working experience for their futures. There are several opportunities all over the city for students to find work. Although, it should be made known that some retail stores will not higher those under the age of 18 years old. Alondra Lozano, ‘20, a student with a job, “People don’t realize how important it is to balance school with jobs and students with jobs tend to be more responsible.”