Even in the middle of chilly Charlottesville winters, third-year College student Abby Goward spends much of her time working by the white-tiled Aquatics & Fitness Center pool. She is just one of many University students who shoulders a job during the academic year.
Many students like Goward have managed to find creative employment opportunities that combine elements of responsibility and fun, amidst the job options on-Grounds.
"My first year RA told me she had worked as a lifeguard at the AFC and she really liked it, so I decided to apply," she said.
Dressed comfortably in a white T-shirt and shorts, Goward sits with her legs crossed in the high plastic chair overlooking the wide blue pool. The smell of chlorine mixes with the sound of water polo balls bouncing on the slick tiled floor while a team practices to her right.
"Basically, my job here is to prevent accidents and respond to any emergency that occurs," Goward said.
After filling out forms and going through an interview process, Goward had to be able to swim 500 yards and participate in a few rescue scenarios to prove her skills as a lifeguard.
She also had to demonstrate her knowledge of CPR. But with four years of lifeguarding experience under her belt, this wasn't too difficult.
Overall, Goward really enjoys the way her job creates a social group set apart from her usual University friends.
Fourth-year College student Vi Sieu Duong served as manager for the football team this past semester.
Duong decided to apply for the position after seeing an advertisement in the newspaper.
"The application process was basically 'When can you start?' because they were short-handed for this past season," he said. "In addition I had to fill out all the usual forms for employment at U.Va."
"I didn't have any previous job experience," he added.
"For the most part I assisted one of the coaches in practice, prepared and maintained the equipment, and took care of the sideline duties during the games," Duong said.
Duong's favorite part of managing was going to Hawaii over winter break for the Oahu Bowl, where he was able to hit the beach and hang out in Waikiki. He also enjoyed, as he put it, "the best view of the game."
In addition to trips and great seating, the managers also receive a semester stipend that increases with experience, apparel that the athletes get from the sponsor, tickets to games, and a meal plan.
Fourth-year College student Mindy Laster's campus job is a little different than Duong's. She manages the Newcomb candy counter.
Laster is a self-described "Cinematheque candy counter girl."
Dressed casually in a jacket and blue jeans, Laster sits perched on a stool anchored to the tile floor in the narrow back room across from the movie ticket office. The smell of freshly popped popcorn hangs in the air as she waits for the first student customers to begin this Thursday night.
"I heard about this job from a friend, and I've been working since last semester," Laster said.
She went through the normal hiring process after obtaining an application from the night manger of Pavilion IX.
"Basically I just make the popcorn and sell candy and refreshments to the students who come to watch movies," Laster said.
Before working at the refreshment stand, Laster had several other odd jobs but decided to try something different when applying for this position.
"I like this job because it's relaxing and low-stress. Also, I get to see a lot of interesting people, especially on Tuesday nights at 'Off Screen,' when they show the independent films," she said.
Even though there is no general list of on-Grounds paid employment, these students managed to find jobs that fit both their interests and schedules. Whether going on a Hawaiian vacation, hanging out at the pool, doing handstands at U-Hall or enjoying the theater, these students accomplished the seemingly impossible: finding a job that's enjoyable.
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