Many students return to old summer jobs

MASSTOWN - When Derek Eisses needed to find a summer job, he knew exactly where to go.
Eisses, 16, went straight to the Masstown Market, where he had been employed the previous summer.
"It's fun, it's easy, and it's good money," said the Debert resident, who scoops ice cream at the market for an average of 35 hours a week.
Eisses is just one of many Colchester County students who have found a summer job in recent weeks. They can be seen almost everywhere - bagging groceries, mowing lawns, grilling hamburgers, lifeguarding at pools, coaching at camps, behind retail counters and much more.
Unlike Eisses, however, the job hunt for 18-year-old Sarah Boyce was not so easy.
"I went through three interviews before I landed my job at Sears," said the Bible Hill resident. "Businesses seem to be looking for people that can work longer than just the summer.
"I was hired at Sears but the hours I needed there were not available. I decided to look for a second job."
Boyce found that second job as a Community Access Program summer intern student where she teaches the public how to properly utilize different types of technology, like laptops and digital cameras.
"I enjoy my work. I find that my work helps build the bridge between knowing and not knowing," she explained.
For Josiane Mapplebeck, having a job is nothing new.
"I started working when I was seven, at my parents' perennial nursery," said 19-year-old the Hilden resident.
Mapplebeck still works with her parents but, like Boyce, felt the need to find a second job.
"I wait on customers, process and return movies," said Mapplebeck, who also works at Truro Home Video when she isn't with her parents.
"It wasn't hard to find a job this summer," said the McGill University psychology student, "because I worked here last year and they offered me re-employment if I came back home."
If Mapplebeck had her way, she would not work as many hours as she does now, but the money is more important.
"It goes towards my rent in Montreal," she said.
Mapplebeck is the only student who works at Truro Home Video, a far cry from the 20-to-25 students who work at Masstown Market.
"It's a great bunch of people here," said Laurie Jennings, owner of Masstown Market. "We are looking for someone that can look you in the eye, smile and say hello. We are looking for a tiny bit of spark and a lot of energy."

jfowler@trurodaily.com