While school work, sports and clubs are always topics of discussion at West Essex High School, a large part of students’ lives falls under the radar. Many students have jobs around the area where they are gaining real-life work experience and learning from it. Here’s a look into what students at West Essex are doing outside the walls of West Essex.

Tori Mielnicki ‘19

Workplace: The Learning Experience in Roseland, NJ

Describe your job: “We sing songs and teach them about the days of the week.”

What have you learned: “How much attention kids really need.”

Jesse Goldberg ‘19

Workplace: FIRE Roasted Chicken & Grill in West Caldwell, NJ

Describe your job: “Delivering is where you make your money and tips.

What have you learned: “I’ve learned how to become a better driver being in a car for multiple hours in a day.”

Marco Reali ‘20

Workplace: Falls Creamery in Little Falls, NJ

Describe your job: “Making money.”

What have you learned: “It made me better at talking to people.”

Mary Fant ‘19

Workplace: Internship at People’s Revolution (Public Relations Firm)

Describe your job: “My job was working the showroom so I would check items in and out to stylists, take inventory for new collections and pieces coming in, make reports for the designers when their pieces were worn by celebrities, and then some more typical intern stuff like sending off packages, picking up coffee, and buying supplies.

What have you learned: “I learned a lot about how to be a working person in the fashion industry.”

Leigha Capra ‘19

Workplace: The Tutoring Center in West Caldwell, NJ

Describe your Job: “I tutor kids in a variety of subjects and help them learn study skills to get ahead in school.”

What have you learned: “I’ve learned the importance of explaining things clearly and carefully, as well as the the power of confidence that you can help foster in children by helping them learn.”

Cameron Marino ‘19

Workplace: Glazed Donuts in West Caldwell, NJ

Describe your job: “I get to serve people and work behind the counter and make lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso drinks. I also work the register.”

What have you learned: “I have learned patience and composure when working with other customers. And when I go to a store now, I realize how much effort goes into something as small as a cappuccino.”

Katelyn Zincone ‘19

Workplace: Floyd Hall Arena in Little Falls, NJ

Describe your job: “I do pretty much everything there but my favorite thing to do is skate guard. Everyone is so friendly so I get to ice skate for free with some of my best friends.”

What have you learned: “It’s not hard to have fun if you love what you’re doing. I couldn’t ask for better coworkers who are now like my family and we always turn work into fun.”

Brian Blake ‘19

Workplace: The Chicken Factory in Roseland, NJ

Describe your job: “I am just a delivery driver.”

What have you learned: “I have gotten better at driving by this job. I have also learned what goes into preparation of fried chicken.”