Not everyone can say they have contributed to our school. Not everyone participates in a school sport or extracurricular activity, and not everyone spends hours before and after school making sure things run smoothly. There are many crucial occupations and jobs within the school that, without which, could lead to utter disaster. Unfortunately, stereotyping and ignorance has led some to believe that these jobs are of little importance or are looked down upon. This is not the case in many situations.

Take, for instance, the special education students who assist with the food waste bins in our cafeteria. It is easy for students passing by to think that this is an unfair activity, that these students are being unwillingly forced into labor. Most of the students helping with food waste are absolutely ecstatic about their work; they look forward to lunch every day and have never been pushed into the job.

"I think this is a valuable experience and I’ve learned a lot of job skills," said sophomore Sarah Smith, who regularly helps on Thursdays with the food waste program in the cafeteria.

Special Education teacher Dusty Dennis has taken a major part in getting these students involved and disagrees very strongly with those who have given the situation negative connotations.

"It is honorable to do this kind of work, and the kids that do are really proud," said Dennis. "I feel like because this school is privileged, it tends to look down upon people in this position."

Janet Ames also works closely with students and is part of the process every single day. She too feels that some students have taken this activity in the wrong way. She believes that these students are learning life skills and job skills that will greatly help them in the future.

"Students have come to us asking why these students can’t just serve cookies or something; they have come to think that this is lowly work. But just look at janitors, our waste management...they are all contributing much more to the good of the school," said Ames. "These students really care about their work and enjoy it."

Despite the widespread idea that these students are being forced into helping with school recycling and food waste programs, in reality, they are more than happy to be able to help and take immense pride in their work. Not only do these students have fun helping with these eco-friendly measures, but they have also taken their job skills and found ways to use them at off duty and at home.