By Ebbie Davis
What do driving, eating, shopping and attending college have in common? They require students to spend money.
Where do students get funds to enjoy these activities? Many have on-campus jobs, but what about the rest?
Some students are using their economic skills to produce their own businesses and sell their merchandise around school. They are also finding other ways off-campus to earn money, be it waiting tables or selling plasma.
Wade Evans, junior physical education major, found one way to earn a few bucks besides his actual job as a sales representative. Evans sells his plasma for cash, which he says is a safe and helpful process.
“Plasma Biological Services is extremely clean and professional when it comes to aid, service and using the medical technology,” Evans said. “I actually give plasma one-to- two times a week. The amount of pay comes from your body weight. I, for instance, make $25 each visit or $50 a week.”
Evans said he uses his extra money to buy gas and pay for other activities.
“Plasma is the essential starting material needed to manufacture therapies that help people worldwide with rare, chronic diseases to live healthier, productive and fulfilling lives,” Evans said.
By selling plasma, Evans and other students help support ppatients, while at the same time earning extra money.
Rachel Moore, junior art major, has a knack for pottery,
“I’ve been selling my pottery since I first started making it at the beginning of my sophomore year,” Moore said. “At my first sale I made several bowls that were the same style. They ended up being really popular, and it motivated me to keep making and selling more of them.”
Moore has been able to earn money along with her fellow classmates. The students make pottery not merely to sell it for profit, but because they have a gift and passion for the art.
“I love making pottery because I can be artistically expressive with something simple and necessary like a cereal bowl or coffee mug,” Moore said. “I like the challenge of making functional dishes in a unique and visually-appealing way.”
Students increasing their artistic talents and fine-tuning their creative skills ensure the product will typically be done to the best of his or her ability. They also want the owner to experience the beauty behind the making.
Another job a few Union students have started is freelance photography. Caroline Beffa, senior art major, is one of many students who use their photography skills.
“I love the engagement between me, the subject and my camera, and having the freedom of choosing to include or not to include what I think is important to the frame,” Beffa said.
“The photograph is my canvas. I am in love with the artistic freedom I have in composing each element in a way I think is interesting,” Beffa said.
Besides these jobs offered at various locations on campus and in the Jackson community, students are making jewelry, producing music CDs and babysitting. Students who use their intuition and their talent in order to make some extra spending money while in school are improving their skills and experience, which will be valuable in their future careers.
