Perseverance. A word that describes 18-year-old Shannon Maynard. As a senior, Shannon challenges herself to get a second job while already employed at Krueger’s True Value.

Unlike most students when they get a second job, she isn’t doing it for herself. She’s doing it for her family.

Money struggles have always been a factor in Shannon’s life, which inspires her to make a few extra bucks for her loved ones. Money plays a big role in why she wanted to get a second job; however, it isn’t the only reason.

Driven by the goal of owning her own business, she wants to further her knowledge of working in the food industry without having to quit her job at Krueger’s.

Perseverance is jumping from one eight hour shift to a four hour shift all in the same day. With 12 hours of her day spent at work, Shannon finds herself struggling to find time to herself.

She comments on her new-found ability to time manage, noting the struggles between the four major factors in her life: family, friends, school, and work.

She hangs out with her friends in short bursts before and after her tenacious work hours. Then, utilizes her free hours in school by completing her homework to the best of her ability. In the little free time she has that isn’t spent on the go, she finds herself lounging around with her pets, watching her favorite shows.

Perseverance is somehow picking up extra shifts, despite the fact that it means less time to herself.

 “$180 of my check goes to my parents, and then I split the rest in half. Half into savings and half into my pocket” she explains where the money she earns goes with a firm nod.

In the end, Shannon always shows her perseverance in numerous ways. Whether it be working, giving back or helping others.