Emerson College - Emersonian Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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Working Students Emerson students often work to make a living, or part of it, while juggling classes. “I’d like to sign in my boyfriend please ... is the mail in yet . . . type this in triplicate . . . file these forms ... do you have this in a size seven . . . I’ll have the cheese and alfalfa on pita . . . come on SAGA, it’s after five . . . . ” Anywhere in Boston, in Emerson dormitories and in the business office of Mass Comm., at Jordan Marsh, the Deli Haus or the SAGA cafeteria, Emerson students are working to make a living, or part of it. The rising cost of education, the effect of federal budget cutbacks (responsible for an estimated 30% cut in financial aid for 1982-1983) and the need for pocket change have made working on the side a necessity for many Emerson students over the years. Tuition rose $800 last year and is projected to jump another $ 1 170 next semester, so it’s no surprise to hear that the conversation on the wall is not all about what class is next or the amount of home work to be done; “What shift are you working . . . what hours are you sitting . . . how’dyou do in tips last night,” are as common as “. . . did you finish the t.v. project yet?” Employment opportunities at Emerson are diverse, ranging from the federally funded work-study and the Emerson Employment Program to scooping ice-cream at Hagan-daz on Charles Street. Approximately 20% of Emerson’s full time undergraduate students hold regular work-study positions. Emer- son’s business offices employ students in typing, filing and running errands. Others spend their work time as desk receptionists in the dormitories, sign- ing people in and out and sorting mail. A benefit of the work-study program is that students can arrange their work hours around their academic schedule. Lynne Gemma, a senior, has been on work-study for two years. “I work for George Genges, Resident Director of Charlesgate, doing clerical work. It’s really convenient, since it’s right at school, and it doesn’t interfere with my classes.” Work-study provides students with the opportunity to learn skills not taught in the classroom. “My work ex- perience here will gve me something to fall back on. In case I need to, I could work in an office as a bookeeper, secretary or a clerical assistant,” ex- plained freshman Yvette Ruiz, a work- study employee in the Financial Aid Office. Work-study also encourages stu- dents to work in a job related to their field of study. Theatre majors find working down at Brimmer Street gves them experi- ence in lighting, scene design and administrative duties. A Mass Comm, major can find a job on the technical staff of WERS FM or WECB AM for in- valuable experience. Job experiences have also been found to affect a student’s decision about future career goals. “We tiy to put students in positions related to their majors as often as possible, but work experience may change a student’s mind about what he would like to ma- jor in,” said Sarah Calihan, work- study coordinator at Emerson College. Junior Bill Sitcawiich, a theatre ma- jor, has been on work-study for three years. “As a receptionist in the theatre department I answer phones, run errands and make mail runs,” he said. Sitcawich works his fourteen hours a week getting involved in the administrative core of the theatre de- partment, as well. continued on page 26 24

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1 “The college community is not always aware of EBONI’s ac- tivities or potential.” the organization has been weak at times. Some students, both Black and White, express hesitation in approaching a Black organization. In the 1960’s such groups were aggres- sive and vocal in expressing their needs and opinions. Activities in this era have given present Black orga- nizations the burden with dealing with bad publicity. They are faced with the stigma of being “militant” or “radical.” Any association with such groups has been treated with caution. Representation and membership fluctuates as students try to integrate other facets of the college and EBONI into their lives. Like our predecessors in the 60’s, there is the need to come together and support each other. At the same time, we are at Emerson to learn and create experiences which will benefit us during our careers. A balance between the two is not always necessary — it depends on the person. It is necessary to provide the options for the individual to make the choice. Doors are opening slowly. Progress is being made through the Affirma- tive Action Committee, the position of Mmority Affairs Coordinator has been strengthened and student interest and leadership within EBONI is strong. EBONI has almost come full cycle in 1982. The problems, the grievances and goals need to be redefined and restated to increase awareness of EBONI’s purpose. There must be equal representation of race within the Emerson community at all levels. There must be dedication shown on the behalf of all parties — the admi- nistration, faculty and students — to open lines of communication on these issues. There must be some solutions, some results. by Lois Roach 23

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Students like Steve Hendrix (above) and Darleen French (left) find it necessary to work at least part-time while going to school. Many find the Emerson food service, SAGA, nearby and convenient to work for. Laurie Hammond (opposite) sits desk at 100 Beacon Street, (photos by Gina Siciliano.) 25