I've been in college for a while now. Too long, some may say. I've held jobs and I've just done school, but I can tell you this: working while in school is way better. Here's why:

1. Working = money.

I know it's cliche, but I've never met a rich college student. Making my own money, at least for me, helps pay the bills. It's also nice to have a little something extra gas, coffee, or just fun stuff. I'm telling you: when I've been up late studying, having coffee money is so nice.

2. You won't have to take out as many (if any) loans.

I'll be frank: paying back debt sucks. America tells us that debt is a good thing. It tells us you can't have everything you want unless you borrow money. It tells us the only way to go to college is by taking out loans. This is a lie. You don't have to graduate with thousands of dollars in debt. One of the ways to make that happen is to work through college and cash flow your education. Think of a life where you can keep your hard-earned money instead of giving it to Sallie Mae.

3. You learn how to prioritize your time.

I only work 12 hours a week, but even so, I still have to make sure I have plenty of time to do my homework and balance my position here on Odyssey. Having a lot of activities seems like it would be stressful, but as long as I prioritize my everyday schedule to make time for everything, I'm actually less stressed. Plus, do you really want to party every weekend when you could be doing something good for yourself and for society? When you graduate, knowing how to prioritize your time will help you succeed in life.

4. It's a smooth transition into the real world.

Having a job in college will make the transition into the work field much smoother. When you graduate college, the goal is to start a career, right? Well, working a full-time job is very different than sitting in a class for an hour or two. Knowing how to work and to work hard will make you stand out among your employers; it'll make you desirable. Companies want someone who knows how to work, who knows how to clock in and clock out, and manage their time. You learn all of that while working, and you're killing two birds with one stone if you work while getting an education.

5. You meet new people and make connections.

It'sonething to go to college and make new friends, but it's another to meet people who might help you in your future endeavors. Working in college introduces you to people who know people who know people, and who knows? It might just get you that next job or internship. And sure, that might work with professors, but not always. And think about how many students each professor has, even at a smaller school like Western Washington University. When you're working for someone, it's their actual responsibility to make sure you're doing a good job -- to use a reference, you need to stand out. That's easier with fewer people and real-world experience (see number four).

Working in general is a necessity, but working while you're in school is great. If you can, I definitely recommend getting a job in college. Your wallet, mind, and clock will thank you!