How McDonald’s makes a difference

 

By Daisy McKim,

HUB Correspondent–

 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released information stating that only 25 percent of teens in search of employment ever find work, a far cry from the 45 percent teen employment enjoyed in June of 2000. Despite these grave statistics, Da Vinci senior Dylan Malloy is more prosperously engaged in his society than ever.

 The Benefits

For the past five months, Malloy has been working at the South Davis McDonald’s restaurant. He says his job has taught him valuable interpersonal skills, made him many new friends, and even helped him buy a car.

“I enjoy my job. It has a fun atmosphere,” Malloy said.

It seems that, at least for Malloy, the Davis community is providing for its youth, and preparing them for their futures.

Head DHS counselor, Courtenay Tessler, supports Malloy’s accomplishments.

“I think that if you can get a paid job [in high school], that’s really great, and it can help you succeed,” Tessler said.

According to Malloy, this success is not the only motivation for getting a job in high school. “It’s something to put on your résumé for later on. Plus the money is nice.”

The Decision

The decision to get a job in the first place was largely Malloy’s.

“We encouraged him, but left it to him to decide,” said Dylan’s mother Angie Malloy.

“Dylan applied, and the rest is history,” Don Malloy, Dylan’s father said.

 On the Job

As it turns out, that “history” means that Malloy puts in seven hours (3 p.m. to 10 p.m.) three to five times a week. This averages out to around 25 hours per week total according to Malloy.

Every day, before driving off towards that ruby-red and sunshine-yellow double arch, Malloy dons his sharp white McDonald’s employee uniform. Once there, he takes people’s orders and helps with “preparation, like making the parfaits and salads.”

 No Downside

With all of his new responsibilities, and the sheer number of hours he puts into his job, students would expect Malloy to have less free time with friends and extracurriculars. 

“I think it is quite the opposite. He gets paid, and with the extra money he is able to do things with his friends (play cards, go to movies and restaurants) during his time off school and work,” Don said.

“He does seem to enjoy his shifts there, and shares some funny stories about some of the guests and crew,” Angie said.

In addition to all the fun Malloy seems to be having, his job doesn’t seem to have added much stress to his life.

“I usually have enough time to do all my homework and other stuff,” Malloy said.

His parents concur with this sentiment. “I didn’t notice any increased or decreased amount of stress,” Don said. “He seems to enjoy the work, and the people he works with.”

Tessler notes that working as a teenager, specifically at McDonald’s as Malloy does, can be extremely beneficial. She says that such a responsibility can teach you how to better manage your time, learn how businesses run successfully, understand production logistics, and acquire great interpersonal skills.

 In The Future

 Malloy plans to continue working at McDonald’s for the remainder of high school and then attend college to pursue additional education. Armed with the work experience he’s acquired at his job, Malloy believes he will be better equipped to handle whatever new challenges come his way.