The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

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The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

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Students follow passions, run own businesses

Students follow passions, run own businesses

Many South students are busy trying to find a balance between school, work, and extracurricular activities. However, there are few South students who strive to go beyond the usual workload by running their own businesses.

Senior Vika Petlakh owns a photography business where she specializes in concert, lifestyle, portrait and creative photography. Petlakh mentioned that half of the time she is a student and the other half working as a photographer, so Sundays are reserved for her photo shoots.

According to Petlakh, managing her business has encouraged her to act more businesslike and responsible.

“It has helped me begin to manage money and learn to be professional when dealing with potential clients,” Petlakh said.

In addition to Petlakh, senior JP O’Rourke also owns a photography business and says that while he enjoys making money doing something that he loves, he doesn’t always get to spend the cash the way he wants.

“The majority of money that I make goes back into my camera,” O’Rourke said. “All summer I saved up to buy a camera, and most of [my profits] go back into equipment.”

South senior Mary Friedman also uses technology to create her business. In working with different types of computer technologies, Friedman creates slideshows for different groups such as companies and sport teams.

“I compile customer’s pictures and videos from events/experiences into a single product that groups the pieces of media together using music and transitions,” Friedman said.

Another aspiring entrepreneur is senior Kevin Mathein, who is dedicated to the TV, Yearbook and volleyball programs at South, in addition to running his own photo/videography business. Mathein speaks about the added pressure that comes with managing these three activities.

“You’ve got to have your calendar to plan things out,” Mathein said, “And if you accidentally miss something, it has a way bigger consequence than just ‘I forgot’.”

Mathein also joins senior Emilio Isasi as a DJ duo. According to Isasi, they perform every Friday night at the Glenview Ice Rink and other locations. Like Petlakh, Isasi recognizes how managing his business adds stress to his schedule.

“There are times when it’s a random Wednesday night and [a client] will need us to be working from 6 until midnight,” Isasi said. “I don’t mind sacrificing sleep as long as [I’m sacrificing it] for something that I love to do.”

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