Easy money hard to come by

College students are stereotyped as many different things, but wealthy is usually not one. \nInstead, students throughout Bloomington are searching for ways to pick up a quick buck, and it might not be as hard as it seems, they say.\nThe first place to check is the Internet, sophomore Daniel Lasner said. There are sites that will pay for minimal work. Some even pay just for registering with them. For example, X.com deposits money into a new account if a student applies for their free checking. The $20 can increase with referrals. \nFor some, this method is not adequate to meet financial needs. If this is the case, follow Lasner. Interested in computers, he decided to put his skills to use. \nLasner created a computer company called Entrance Computers. This company designs systems and diagnoses problems for home computing. \n"It's an easy money maker if you enjoy it and know what you're doing", Lasner said. His company is currently small, grossing $6,000 this summer.\nOther options include registering with a local temporary employment firm. Dave Stemm of Employment Plus, 1983 S. Liberty Dr., said more than 20 college students work for his company. Most work part-time and second shift in clerical and manual jobs. Average pay is $10 an hour, and many shifts last about four hours. Stemm said jobs are flexible and some are two or three day assignments while others are part-time jobs.\nIf it's difficult to get off campus, then options may be limited, however not eliminated, a psychology department official said.\nThe psychology department will pay students for participating in experiments. Melissa Slemin, the media and communications coordinator for the psychology department, said her personal experience with these experiments was pleasant and an easy moneymaker. \nThe psychology department will pay anywhere from $6-8 for a 15-minute experiment. These experiments range from describing reaction to colors and light to gauging memory. \nAnother option is the Sera-Tec Plasma Center, 110 S. Washington St. This medical facility will pay $15 for a first-time plasma donation. A second donation made within the same week as the first entitles the donor to an additional $25. Along with being a moneymaker, this choice also assists many people. The plasma donated is used to manufacture pharmaceutical products. \n"It only takes a few hours of time, and is a wonderful lifesaver," Peggy Dick of Sera-Tec said. \nOnce students have found job-related interests, the question that begs for an answer is whether or not students will have the time and resources to pursue their education and their job. Phillip Summers of the psychology department said that managing time is a difficult and necessary task when taking on the responsibilities of education and employment. Summers said working is a maturing process and helps the individual working gain responsibility. \n"You can work and get good experience," he said. \nHe said when students aren't working they are more focused on schoolwork, socializing and other endeavors.