The Side Hustle

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Welcome to my side hustle, technically known as my on-campus job. When I came to Ohio Northern, I didn’t know much about the kinds of on-campus jobs ONU students have access to. I was sitting in class one day, and someone mentioned the Sport Information Department. At the time, my goal was to go to director and ask about managing the social media page for a specific sports team on campus. When I got there, my now boss asked, “why don’t you just work for me?” Now, I work as the sport information assistant. 

I started my job back in January and have loved every minute of it. I would have started earlier but there were already enough people covering winter sports, so I wasn’t needed at the time. The indoor track season was just about underway, and I needed to wait until after winter break to see where I could fit in working. Being a dual major and student-athlete would have been enough for someone to turn down an on-campus job opportunity. However, I tend to enjoy the chaos of my busy schedule. Everyone warned me that maybe it would be a bad idea to add another thing to my plate, but I was determined to make it work. I fully believe that if you want something bad enough, you’ll do whatever you can to make it work. That’s how this job felt to me. It was something in my field that I wanted to pursue. With my love for sports, my job never feels like work.

As the sport information assistant, I work both in the office and out on the field to capture game day moments. On Wednesdays I come in before track practice and do anything from computer work to organizing record books. The beauty of working in the office is that I’m never stuck doing the same thing. Each week is always something different. The other side of my job is photography. I’m able to take pictures at the games by capturing the grit and heart players put into their sport. It’s fun being able to be on the sidelines and watching each game so closely.

One thing no one told me about having an on-campus job is how much paperwork is required before starting. While it’s tedious to fill out, it’s worth it in the end. Overall, I love what I do on campus as it gives me an opportunity to learn new things.

Comments

  1. Aubrey HatteryMarch 24, 2026 at 10:06 AM

    Hi! I love side hustles as someone who also has an on-campus job. That is such a cool story about how you got your job, your boss sounds so nice. I'm so glad that you enjoy what you're doing, and you found a job that will fit into your schedule well, I feel like that is half to battle. I can't wait to see some of the pictures you take!

    ReplyDelete
  2. McKenna MillerMarch 24, 2026 at 5:57 PM

    Hey Danika! That sounds like such an amazing job. I also love to keep my schedule busy like you. Having an on-campus job myself I completely agree with you that it is fun and keeps you busy. That is so cool that you get to be both in the office and on the field for different sports as well. I look forward to seeing more of the pictures you take and congrats on getting this job!

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  3. Keegan WilsonMarch 25, 2026 at 1:08 PM

    Hi Danika! I am glad you are helping out the athletic department. A lot of work goes into athletics behind the scenes that people don't see, and I am very appreciative of you for that. Good luck with your job the rest of the semester!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Riley IbaughMarch 25, 2026 at 6:17 PM

    Campus jobs are such a double-edged sword. They can be so much fun, but at the same time they pay very little and can take a lot of time. I used to work in the greenhouse. I loved going in there because of the work, not the pay. I can see you are in a similar boat. Enjoy it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Karlie JanningsMarch 25, 2026 at 8:23 PM

    Hey Danika! I am glad you are having fun helping out with sports, that is awesome! I also love staying on a schedule and having something to do at most times. I can't wait to see some of the pictures you take and I hope you have fun doing it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Paige BashawatyMarch 25, 2026 at 9:28 PM

    Hey Danika! I love this side hustle! It is a perfect way for you to be able to play your sport to your full capacity, while getting paid on the side. Also, I love the pictures, they look really good. Keep up the great work!

    ReplyDelete

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