We all wear many hats. We’re children and parents, friends and foes, patients and caregivers, wanderers and leaders – all of these at different times. For that reason, it’s nearly impossible to know everything about a person at first glance. Even mild-mannered Clark Kent was moonlighting as Superman.

In the case of many CSULB students who need jobs to help fund their studies, life outside the classroom looks very different. Whether they are working as exterminators or chefs, lifeguards or researchers, these students wear different hats to cover the cost of transportation or pay tuition.

Students by day and a variety of unique jobs by night (or different kind of day). This is just one more way CSULB students represent diversity both on and off campus.

“The reason I work so many hours at the bakery is because I need the money in order to pay for my tuition. My parents taught me to always work hard for what you want. Being able to pay my tuition on my own makes me value and appreciate my education much more.”

Michelle Pantoja | As a fourth year human development major, it’s sometimes stressful for Pantoja to balance school with working 40 to 45 hours a week at Portos’ Bakery in Downey. Sleep and free time is often sacrificed for work and homework, she says.

“Refereeing has taught me discipline, foreign languages, and skills that will last a lifetime. It’s offered me so many career opportunities. It also keeps me in shape. As a referee, I promote respect and discipline on the field. It’s amazing to see that my hard work results in the union of players and coaches for the love of the beautiful game”

Xochilth Ruiz | The second year psychology major is a female soccer referee for high school and college state and national competitive levels. She works about 40 games per month and still has time to attend classes, study and hang out with her friends.

“I love how I can listen to music while driving as well as the different personalities and people that I come across. I have done more than 500 trips and it’s crazy to think more than 500 people have been in my car and I’ve had contact with them.”

David Bautista | Fourth year kinesiology fitness major and research assistant Bautista moonlights as a Lyft driver, which he says, routinely results in people asking him for free rides. The job helps him pay for gas to come to school, car maintenance and other bills.