Most high school students get their first job making minimum wage, babysitting kids in their neighborhood, or bagging fries at the local McDonald’s. But some students have somewhat more unusual jobs. 

Sophomore Mary Harmon runs her own informal “salon” out of her house doing all types of nail services. While it is not an official business, she loves spending time bonding with her customers, creating the art of nails, and earning some extra money all at the same time. 

“I especially love doing nails on my close friends. I love being able to customize them exactly how they imagine them,” Harmon said. 

Harmon provides many types of nail services, but specializes in “Pinterest-style” nail art on acrylics. She charges between $20 to $40 based on the design and the products needed for the nails. 

“I’ve done everything from drawing tiny watermelons to Christmas trees with ornaments on people’s nails,” Harmon said. 

“Most of my customers are girls from the school,” Harmon said. They prefer going to Harmon rather than a salon “because I charge less and we can talk about our lives together,” she said. 

Senior Cameryn Rosswog, meanwhile, works as a dietary aid at the local senior living home Overlook Green. She loves spending time with the residents and making their lives the best she can. 

Rosswog serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 75 elders. She takes pride in helping them during their later years. 

“I really enjoy spending time talking to people there – learning about their lives and what they did in the past, ” Rosswog said. “We have a great time. We dance and sing together and I think I entertain them pretty well.”

Sophomore Peyton Pasquale works at the South Hills Country Club as a lifeguard at its pool. She watches over both the main pool and baby pool to make sure people are having a safe time while having fun in the summer. 

“I worked really hard to become certified for the job and to be able to be responsible for people’s lives if I have to,” Pasquale said. “It does make me nervous that someone could start drowning while I’m there, but I’m confident that I could be the one to save that person if needed.” 

Sophomore Karuna Neupaney works at the Brentwood Public Library. She assists patrons looking to check out and return books. She also helps with cleaning and stocking books throughout the library. 

“I enjoy it because it’s therapeutic at times and my coworkers are so kind and fun to be around,” Neupaney said. “It’s super chill and low stress most of the time.” 

She has always loved reading, and this job has inspired her passion even further.