LIFESTYLE: Doing Time Downtown

For most students, the nine-to-five work day remains an unfamiliar idea until graduation day, when, diploma in hand, reality inevitably slaps them in the face. And for many, the four-year academic grind between high school and possible employment ends too quickly, breaking the bubble that encloses campus life sooner rather than later. Some undergraduates, however, have selected to prematurely put their nose to the grindstone and work downtown for some "in-your-face" experience. Many work for school credit, some for pure extracurricular interest, and some for financial benefit. All say, though, that their jobs offer the added bonuses of escape and a fresh outlook on life. Early this semester, College freshman Jason Marbutt was scanning the classified ads when a job listing looking for hotel valets caught his eye. As he had some interest in that line of work, Marbutt jumped at the opportunity. "I went and filled out an application and that was it," he said. "It seemed like an interesting job to have." Although Marbutt said location was not a factor in his decision to take the job, he did say that his experiences in Center City have taught him much in the way of life beyond the University's borders. "It kind of sets things in perspective," Marbutt said. "Sometimes you tend to lose track of what the rest of the world is about. "It gives me a new perspective on life," he added. Marbutt explained that much of his new take on life stems from being the youngest parking attendant at the hotel. Rather than suffering from feelings of subordination, Marbutt said he benefits from being at the bottom of the hierarchy. Instead, he learns from his more experienced co-workers. He added that being in the work force has made the cushy comforts of school more evident, but not necessarily more attractive. "I found that I like [my co-workers] more than a lot of people at the University because they're more real to me," he said. "They don't have this dazzling look in their eyes that a lot of college students do." In addition to gaining knowledge and friendships, however, Marbutt also brings home a paycheck, which typically totals five dollars for every hour plus $25 to $30 in tips per night. Marbutt added that his net take for the 16 to 20 hours he works in a typical week varies, however, depending on the generosity of the customers. For example, Mayor and University alumnus Ed Rendell dropped his vehicle off one evening, but upon leaving, left the valets empty-handed. "Ed Rendell. We had him one time, and he did not tip us," Marbutt said. Marbutt explained that the most interesting customer he has encountered, though, is not well-known in the political domain or otherwise. "One night, we had a guy who went out and got a prostitute and went up to the room, and found out it was a him," he said. "'She' stole his claim check and came down and tried to get the car. "We got a big kick out of that one," he added. College junior Ping Huntrakoon said that her downtown internship at an advertising agency has also taught her a valuable lesson -- how to more effectively organize her schedule. She explained that having less free time has caused her to plan her 'to-do list' efficiently and with the remainder of her day in mind. When she started working, Huntrakoon said, she found that her time was being needlessly squandered. "It's helped me a lot with time management just because I plan things out more," she added. "I think when you have a schedule you can fit more things in. "I used to have a lot of free time, and I feel like I wasted it," she said. "Now I use it more effectively." Like Marbutt, Huntrakoon said that she was not actively seeking a position in Philadelphia proper. But after spending 20 hours a week on 15th and Locust for a matter of months, she said she has identified a certain downtown appeal. "I'm glad to get into the city," she said. "I know the area a lot better now that I work down there. Especially with the nice weather, it's pretty enjoyable walking around." University students, it seems, are now invading a broad spectrum of city businesses and practices. One College freshman who did not wish to give his name told tales of working in the cultural affairs division of the Israeli consulate. Being a Philadelphia native, location had no impact on place of employment for this student, who said he began his volunteer position while he was still in high school. Upon entering college, he called the consulate and managed to get himself rehired. Although his day-to-day work entails helping to organize events for Israelis living in Philadelphia -- such as Memorial Day and Independence Day ceremonies -- the student said that the recent political goings-on in the Middle East have made for exciting happenings at the office. "I was interviewed on T.V. when the Israelis and the Palestinians signed the Declaration of Principles," he said. "That was an exciting time." Echoing Marbutt's feelings to some extent, the student added that being downtown provides a close-up view of the diverse nature of city life, which is not to be found within the confines of campus. "You're kind of enclosed on campus sometimes, and it's a bit of a relief to walk around downtown and see what's available down there," he said. "Even just the walk from the train station to the consulate, you see a whole different group of people," he explained. "You see the different things that can be done downtown." Unfortunately for this student, such sight-seeing has been temporarily postponed due to the Septa strike. Unable to take advantage of shuttle service and lacking the money for cab rides, the student has not been to work since train service was suspended. "I have not been able to get in since the Septa strike began because there are conflicts between my classes and when the Penn shuttle runs," he said. Both Marbutt and Huntrakoon said they, too, have been hurt by strike. "I've had to take taxis down," Huntrakoon said. "It's certainly more expensive. I have to pay for four cabs rides per week." Marbutt agreed. "It has hurt me because I have to ride a taxi, and it usually costs seven to $10 to get there," he said. "I spend my first two to three hours just making up cab fare." College senior Nancy Epstein is also unable to take advantage of the University shuttle service, and is yet another worker/student currently increasing the daily income of cab drivers. Epstein works at a market research firm downtown, telephoning various companies in hopes of conducting an interview. However, she said, this is not always possible because individuals are often reluctant to talk and reveal even impersonal information. "They won't always speak to me," she said. "We don't really look for proprietary information, but it's still hard to get people on the phone sometimes." Epstein said that people's attitudes in getting their messages across varies greatly. "Sometimes I'll be on the phone with someone who's really nice, and other times they won't want to talk with me and will be rude," she said. A series of particularly memorable phone calls occurred during research requested by a transport company. Epstein explained that the organization was looking for information regarding cat litter. "We called cat litter manufacturers and distributors in the New York area and we talked to them about different issues," she explained. "We found out that 'kitty litter' is a trademark item, so we got a nasty letter in the mail saying that we were infringing their copyright," Epstein added. "It's really 'cat litter,'" she said. College junior Bobby Glazer, who works as a paraclerk at a law firm on 22nd Street, said that the strike has forced him to walk to work when a bicycle is unavailable. But, he added, his supervisors are very understanding of his recent tardiness. "I get in a little late," Glazer said. "I have to assume they're being lenient about that," he said. At work, Glazer said he is kept busy filing and generally "keeping stuff in order," which he does three times a week for five hours at a time. While in the office, Glazer explained that he tends to forget his identity of student, and take on one of strictly a worker. "I feel removed when I'm there," Glazer said. "When I'm there I don't feel like I'm at Penn, I just feel like I'm working." Like Huntrakoon, Glazer said that he has become much more familiarized with the city now that he works there. He added that this new familiarity has caused him to rely more on its resources. "I realize how accessible the city is," he explained. "If I need something, I'll go down there and get it [rather than getting it on-campus]. "There's just a lot more opportunities downtown," he said.

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