Annie Haraguchi  (She/Her)

Haraguchi, a junior at Grant, has been working as an Oaks Park ride operator for a year. “I had been looking for a job because I am going to Europe this summer, and (I’d) like (to have) money while I’m going there,” says Haraguchi. 

Her favorite parts of the job are the friendships she’s formed with her coworkers and silly interactions with customers during her shifts. “One time this little girl brought me a flower and I was like, ‘aww!’” she recalls.

Ride operators need to be prepared for any sort of weather — rain or shine, bitter cold or excruciating heat, you have to stick it out. Haraguchi specifically recollects days of harrowing downpour during her shifts, and being surprised at the amount of customers who visited anyway. 

Haraguchi says that while her shifts were manageable when she first began working for Oaks Park, they got more time consuming as she continued her position. Now she says, “The days are a little long,” especially as daylight hours lengthen during the summertime.

While some positions at Oaks Park may be suitable first jobs for high schoolers, Haraguchi says her position as a ride operator would not be fitting for first timers. She describes her job as high pressure at times, especially when the ride operators are tasked with managing the safety of others. “You really have to be able to stay grounded and not freak out,” says Haraguchi. However, she believes the other jobs that Oaks Park has to offer, such as operating the outdoor games, may be less demanding and more appropriate for those with no prior work experience.

Razii Khan  (He/Him)

Khan, a sophomore at Grant, has been working at Oaks Park as a roller-rink operator since March 2024. He quickly found the job to be blissful and rewarding, highlighting the positive environment and customer base.

Khan’s favorite aspect of working at Oaks Park is the opportunity to work with other people his age. The park is mainly operated by teens, making the work more appealing to high schoolers. He says, “It’s not like working with a bunch of random adults.” While adult supervisors are watching over the park, Khan says, “mostly we’re a bunch of kids.” The large social aspect of the job, says Khan, greatly increases Oaks Park’s positive work environment. “Working with people your own age is kind of like going to school,” he admires. 

Aside from the social element, Khan says that flexible scheduling accommodating each employee makes Oaks Park an adequate first job. Employees have nearly full control over their schedule; some student workers have a shift only once a month.

Although he specifically recommends being a roller-rink operator to those looking for a first job, Khan believes that working anywhere in the park would be gratifying and encourages any student in search of employment to check it out.