Many adults have lost their jobs due to the economic recession caused by COVID-19, but some Lincoln students have actually been able to get jobs because of the new school schedule that has freed up their time during weekdays. 

Junior Zoe Tomlinson got her first job at the beginning of quarantine working for the Health and Fitness club at the retirement community Touchmark. 

Despite the limited numbers, constantly reminding residents to follow the mask mandates and the odd 5 a.m. shifts, Tomlinson enjoys the experiences and conversations she has with the residents about their unique backgrounds.

“I feel that I am constantly bettering myself at Touchmark, and I love contemplating on various perceptions in such a positive learning environment,” Tomlinson said. 

While most students starting new jobs have done so because of their altered schedules, sports have also played a big part in how much time students have on their hands.

Junior Brady Kopetz got his first job working at Mallory Safety and Supply Company during quarantine since no official sports games or practices were being held. 

“It has been very hard not playing sports constantly, and it’s very hard not being able to hangout in large groups with friends,” Kopetz said. “It feels like I’m missing out on some of my high school experience, but at least we are being safe.”

Although he hasn’t been able to see many friends, Koptez has still found positives in his job that fill in the social hole that school left with COVID-19.

“My favourite part of [my job] is working with my friend Chance.”

Junior Ashley Siegel also realized she had more free time with no sports to play, so she applied and got a job at Chick-Fil-A in Raleigh Hills. 

“My favorite part of my job is having a certain routine to [keep to] during this mess; something that feels familiar,” she said. 

While many Lincoln students gained jobs during the pandemic, others lost theirs. Senior Aidan Kent lost his job as a teacher aid to a daycare at the end of March, but eventually got a new job at Oddball Shoe Company. 

“It was really stressful for a bit, but I was lucky enough to get on unemployment so financially I was ok, but it was definitely negative for my mental health since I couldn’t really leave the house.”

After a full year of quarantine, though, it seems that most students have finally adjusted.

“I am finally beginning to get used to wearing a mask everywhere I go and carrying a sanitizer in my back pocket. I have become a master at all of the various features of Zoom, Google Meet and FaceTime, and I could really use some more outdoor adventures. I have begun to miss school, traveling and consistent exercise. The last year has undoubtedly consisted of more family time than ever before,” Tomlinson said. “Whether these all are good or bad things is up for interpretation.”