For the past two summers, Andalusia High School alumnus Jonathan Weed has been doing construction work.

“It makes me appreciate the construction crews I see on the side of the road and interstates,” Weed said. “I am currently in a subdivision and it is often unsafe on the roadside there.”

Last summer, Weed worked in Gulf Shores doing construction.

The best part of the job, Weed said, is the people.

“On countless occasions, people stop to talk to me while we were working,” Weed said. “They often thank us for doing what we do. Many give us gifts like cold water, meals, cookies, cakes and ice cream. The kindness and southern hospitality of people in South Alabama is unbelievable. The folks that I worked with in Prattville are sure to be life-long friends. Laying pipe with pry-bars while knee-deep in mud sure does bond people.”

The heat is the most challenging part of the job to Weed.

“The temperature is often above 100 degrees each day,” Weed said. “It often feels a great deal above 120. Plenty of water, protective clothing and sunscreen help. We are provided frequent breaks in a shady area though.”

Weed said that this job is a way to earn money for college.

“I need money for college. So, luckily I’m getting paid,” Weed said. “I think my parents thought if I do manual labor during the summers, I will study harder at Montevallo.”

For students looking for a summer job, Weed said that construction is definitely the way to go.

“I would certainly recommend this as a summer job for a college student,” Weed said. “It pays well and gets you outdoors after a year of studying and being mostly inside. It also gives you a feeling of accomplishment and wears you out.”

A typical day on the job for Weed starts at 6:30 a.m., and ends at 5:30 p.m.

“We are expected to be at the job site on time and ready to dig,” Weed said. “We are currently installing underground utilities for a new subdivision. This includes water and sewer lines along with manholes. I do what my foreman asks, which could be anything from digging ditches and operating equipment to street cleanup. We knock off our day around 5:30 p.m.”

Weed will be a sophomore at the University of Montevallo, where he is studying mass communications and is a cheerleader.