Student Spotlights: Life After the Bell
by Noah Cruz
As senior year continues, most seniors are feeling the weight of the end of high school. Maintaining a high GPA, dealing with senioritis, and completing college application plans can make day-to-day life for a high school senior feel strenuous.
For a group of seniors at Christopher Columbus High School, the day does not end at 2:15 p.m.; 2:15 p.m. marks halftime. Instead of heading home to unwind or socialize with friends, these students clock into their work shifts.
Here is how three seniors are transforming hard work today into real-world success for tomorrow.
Michael Babun: Watering the New Plants for Tomorrow’s Growth
While many seniors are taking on part-time hours, Michael Babun followed a different path by founding and running his own business, Baboon Pressure Washing LLC.
The idea originated when one of his teachers posted a message on Remind, asking if anyone knew of a local pressure washing company. Michael decided to take action and cleaned her house as his first job, using the opportunity to launch his business idea.
Baboon Pressure Washing began with a small electric Robin pressure washer for cleaning driveways. Michael reinvested his earnings back into the company.
Today, Baboon Pressure Washing LLC operates with a commercial soft-washing rig on a custom 6x12 trailer. He has served accounts ranging from Chick-fil-A locations to apartment complexes in Coral Gables and houses extending from the Florida Keys to Wellington.
"I thought it would be a small side hustle that wouldn't take much of my time," Babun said. "It's turned into a significant part of my life. Most of my free time now goes to finding new clients, completing jobs, or writing proposals for commercial work."
Balancing business ownership and school requires strict discipline. Babun schedules jobs exclusively after school and on weekends, fitting homework around his service schedule.
"The hardest part is taking on big risks while knowing my time is limited," said Babun. "Working on commercial proposals has taught me how to explain what I do clearly and present myself professionally. Seeing how far it's come shows me that starting small is fine, as long as you keep pushing."
Andrew Fernandez: Building Responsibility on the Clock
For senior Andrew Fernandez, stepping into the workforce as a bagger at Publix was not about quick cash; it was about growth.
“I decided to get a job at Publix because I wanted to learn the responsibility that comes with having a job,” he said. “I also wanted to start making my own money.”
While Andrew uses his earnings for day-to-day expenses like food and personal items, the real payoff has been learning how to balance his daily tasks. Managing his education has been challenging for Fernandez, as he makes it a point to complete his homework and schoolwork before his shifts start.
Andrew stated, “I usually plan ahead and make sure I finish my schoolwork before going to work; planning has been the key to making sure work and school don’t conflict.”
Working in customer service has also provided Andrew with people skills that extend beyond textbooks.
“Working has taught me how to deal with different people,” Andrew said. He takes pride in his time at Publix and his growing self-reliance, as he plans to carry these skills into college and his future career.
Alexander Zamora: Cutting Through the Competition
Taking on an entrepreneurial path, senior Alexander Zamora works as a Mobile Barber, building a practice around his passion and creative skill.
Zamora got an early start to gain an edge over other barbers before graduation.
“I feel like if you get a head start on woking, you can have more experience in the workforce and get paid early on,” he said.
Working as a barber requires continuous practice, attention to detail and direct client contact. While he saves most of his earnings, the experience of running a service-oriented business has taught Alexander valuable lessons on branding and customer service that aren’t typically covered in a classroom environment.
“The biggest skill that I’ve learned from having my job is how to communicate with clients and market my service,” Alexander said. He adds that working for himself has taught him “how to differentiate myself from other competitors.”
Because Alexander sets his own hours, he has the flexibility to work around his school requirements. He often studies before or after cutting hair for a client.
“I do have to sacrifice free time to fit in clients,” Alexander said. “It has made me both responsible and independent. Being able to accommodate clients and make them as comfortable as possible will help me in the future.”
Their experiences highlight the importance of teamwork and perseverance, especially as they navigate the challenges of senior year.
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