If you’re a student worker at the University of North Georgia, you’re in luck! According to the UNG Newsroom, this fall, the minimum pay rate is increasing to $11 per hour. For workers currently being paid an hourly rate of $8, this change couldn’t come any sooner.

One student worker is 20-year-old Betzy Romulo. Not only does she work as a Spanish tutor at an hourly rate of $8.50, but also as a front desk attendant for $8 per hour. According to Romulo, even with her pay from both jobs, she is still struggling to make ends meet.

“I try to put in as many hours as I can,” she said. “I get out of class, run to go work, and then I leave to go to class again. I start working at 8 a.m., and I don’t get out until 7 p.m.”

The communications major lives on her own, and she uses the money from her two jobs to pay her rent, car and utilities, among other expenses.

“Sometimes, I won’t have enough to pay my light bill.” – Betzy Romulo

Fortunately, with the pay increase, the aspiring journalist believes she will finally have enough money to pay her bills and cover any extra expenses, “especially gas.”

“If anything, the pay raise was needed, and I think $11 is fair,” said Romulo. “Fast food places are paying up to $15 an hour, but obviously the labor is worse compared to here at school. Here, they’re very lenient and try to be understanding because you’re a student worker.”

Aaliyah Garcia also works at UNG, and she agrees that an hourly rate of $11 is adequate and will help make her expenses.

“For the average student, I think that $11 would be enough,” said the bookstore cashier. “It would help me out because I would have more money to go towards rent and car insurance, which take a lot of my money right now and make things a little tight.”

Alexander Hunter works as an audio video technician for the school, and he is excited for the pay raise due to the current cost of gas and inflation.

“I’m absolutely all for it,” he said.

Garcia agreed. Gas prices are “still rising, and they’re going to continue to rise, so I definitely think it will help commuters,” said the film student.

In summary: While you could be making $15 an hour at McDonald’s, these workers agree that an hourly rate of $11 at a flexible job catered toward students is well worth it. So, what are you waiting for? Check out the UNG Job Board and take advantage of this deal today!