Sporting a salesperson nametag, junior Stormi Chaloner works at Waffle House in Benton. When a costumer comes in, she seats them, waits the table and then cleans it.

“I have to do side work when I get to work, like making orange juice and tea and changing the sugar, salt and pepper,” Chaloner said.

Her friend’s father is the district manager of Waffle House and asked her if she wanted a job. Chaloner said she loves her job and the people she works with, even though everyone is 10 to 15 years older than her.

Taking AP classes, Chaloner said it’s tough to manage school and a job.

“Some nights I’m up until 1 a.m, but I keep a planner and just try to keep things organized. It all comes down to responsibility,” Chaloner said.

Getting a job was optional, but Chaloner said she wanted to get one. Now she is responsible for her gas and car insurance.

Chaloner works Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. Only making $2.63 an hour, she relies mainly on tips.

“One time I had to wait on 12 people. They came from a football game. I had been working on memorizing orders, so they told me they would give me a $24 tip if I could get their order right without writing it down. I did it, I memorized it all, drinks, food, bread type, jelly, everything,” she said.