Freshman social work and psychology major Madisyn Sheppard. Photo taken by Aspyn Rafac.
Some Bluffton University students have found unique ways to make money and pursue their passions off campus. Making money and finding part-time opportunities can sometimes be hard to fit in a busy college schedule, however, side hustles are making way to help students do so more easily.
Madisyn Sheppard, a freshman social work and psychology major, has been making money through plasma donation at Biolife Lima.
“I like donating plasma because I have O- which is universal for people, so I really feel like I’m making an impact. It’s also a really easy way to make good money,” said Sheppard. “In the first month of donating plasma I am able to make $900.”
Senior Spanish and business major Spencer Garrison. Photo by Aspyn Rafac.
For senior Spanish and business major, Spencer Garrison, however, his side hustle is all about passion. Garrison has taken his music aspiration to the next level by producing and releasing music such as his song “Wonder” which was released on YouTube and Spotify in spring of 2021.
“I had a good friend who helped me start making music in chapel my sophomore year,” said Garrison. “He writes his own songs and inspired me to write my own, too. I’ve learned so much throughout the process of producing my own music.”
Garrison plans to release more music over the summer and pursue a career in music business after he graduates.
Junior psychology and writing major Audrey Hazelton in Ramseyer Hall. Photo taken by Aspyn Rafac.
“I’m really interested in social media and advertising, and music can definitely tie into that.”
Audrey Hazelton, a sophomore psychology and writing major, has a side hustle about pursuing her ambitions through her freelance job as a makeup artist.
Before and after photos during one of Hazelton’s freelance appointments with student Genoa Arling. Photo provided by Audrey Hazelton.
“I’ve been playing around with makeup since seventh grade,” said Hazelton. “At first when you start with makeup it’s just a natural thing to do, but I ended up having a lot of fun with it, and now I’ve had experiences doing makeup more seriously such as booking jobs for weddings and stuff.”
Hazelton also plans to explore makeup more seriously after her graduation, stating, “I might want to get my esthetician’s license once I’m done getting my degree here at Bluffton, and I definitely want to do some online sanitation and color theory courses.”
One can find Hazelton’s freelance makeup business on Instagram.
“Side hustles are a great way to pursue new interests and make money as a college student,” said Madisyn Sheppard. “I’m very glad students are able to find opportunities like this.”
