As students, it’s common knowledge that we go through hard times. The stress of financial difficulty can sometimes put a strain on our learning environment, social life, and overall well-being. Yet, some students have found a way to do something that they love or are good at to help supplement their college budgets by earning a little extra cash. Many students see this as simply doing what they have to do to help fund their education, get books, support their own daily living expenses, and of course leisure activities.
This is often referred to as a “hustle” or “side job.” “Hustler” can mean a lot of different things to different people. Likewise, the colorful denotation of the word hustle is, “to earn one’s living by illicit or unethical means,” according to Dictionary.com. It can also be defined as, “an aggressive approach especially in business or other financial dealings.”
Surprisingly, some fellow students on campus are doing just that – and some. For example, there are a number of things that people do to earn a little extra money. Everything from cutting hair, writing papers, burning CDs to even making or altering clothes, and arching eyebrows.
Lateefah Taylor is a 21-year-old junior majoring in social work. Her hustle is styling hair. She has been doing hair since 2004 here on campus and has gained a reputation. She offers gorgeous hairs at an affordable price and everyone has nothing but good things to say about her styles. Taylor says that the extra money is great but she also does hair because she likes it and may end up pursuing a cosmetology license after college. When asked if she had any advice for the students who have a talent but may be afraid to showcase it to their peers, she said, “If you have any type of talent, show others and network from there. Get flyers and put yourself out there so people can see you and you may just prosper.”
With the right amount of talent, courage and determination you never know what may happen. If you’re anything like Lateefah you just may become one of the most popular hairstylists on campus. No matter what your hustle is, people may respect the fact that you have a goal and you are going after it. The only path that people end up regretting is the one not taken.