Though many students have jobs in high school, some students might be expected to help out a little more. There are numerous Newton High School students whose families own many businesses around town.
Senior Malissa Oum, whose family owns Newton Donuts, tries to help out all that she can.
“I help out on Saturdays, Sundays and any days I get school off. I enjoy helping out it, helps to take some of the stress off of my mom so she can spend more time making donuts rather than running back and forth,” Oum said.
For many of these businesses, working or helping out is more of an expectation than an option, which is true for junior Taylor Fair, who works at Rohr Jewelry.
“My mom and my uncle both worked at the jewelry store in high school and my grandparents made it kind of clear that’s what I would be doing at that age as well. Even though I have to work there, I love working with my family, it’s fun I enjoy all of their company, and going into business together has made us all incredibly tight-knit. It helps us all become closer,” Fair said.
While some might think local businesses need to improve, those who are involved feel differently. Senior Virgil Guo’s family runs the local restaurant, Panda Kitchen, which Guo is very proud of.
“I don’t think if I could, I would change anything. I think my family runs the restaurant well,” Gou said.
Though it is rewarding, owning and running a new business can bring a lot of change and unexpected stress to the lives of those involved.
“Even though we had to move from New Orleans, I’m very happy my mom decided to make this decision. I’m truly proud of my mom and how much hard work she put into this business family business has truly built me closer to my mom, sister, and coworker,” Oum said.
