Wildcats leave busy lives. Balancing homework, sports, taking care of siblings, chores are not easy. On top of all these responsibilities, many Ukiah High students choose to work at local businesses.
Natalia Vazquez, a Junior at UHS, works at Kentucky Fried Chicken, also known as KFC. Vazquez told us she started working to save up for college, a car, and herself.
She began her career at KFC when she got her work permit from school in December 2020.
Vazquez appreciates working so she can prepare for other employment in the future and the hope to save money for financial goals.
Between work and school, Vazquez is even able to squeeze some shut-eye when she needs it.
On Saturdays and Sundays, Vazquez will often work 8 hour shifts. On the weekdays, she will work five hours shifts after school. She often gets barely any time to herself between school and works having to change into her work clothes and get to her shift on time.
Vazquez told us sometimes she gets stressed over work, and has little time to herself. Another stressor is her schedule can be inconsistent.
Overall, Vazquez likes that she gets to work because she gets paid, she is out of the house, and KFC is a good experience for a first job.
