At 15 years old, Owen Klein is doing things most high schoolers don’t even think about. He’s not only a student at Garden Plain High School, but he also works part-time at 54 Station, the local gas station and convenience store. He’s doing it all while keeping up with his schoolwork. It might seem like a lot for someone his age, but Owen has been having a tremendous time, and he’s definitely making a name for himself in the process.

Owen’s journey to working at 54 Station started with a simple goal: to make some extra money and get a taste of what it’s like to have a job. Owen started working there this fall, even though he’s younger than most of the other employees. 54 Station isn’t just about pumping gas, it’s also about interacting with the regular customers, stocking shelves, and making sure the place runs smoothly. This job for him is about learning new things and getting a feel for how the real world works.

“I get to talk to all of the people that live in the community, so everyday I usually see familiar faces,” Owen says. “Plus, I get to learn things like time management.” Managing work and school can’t be easy, but Owen makes it look like a breeze. After school and football practice he heads straight to 54 Station for his shift, which usually lasts until around 9:00 p.m. Some nights, he’ll have to stay up late to finish homework or study for tests, but Owen says he’s used to it.

Even though Owen already has a lot on his plate at 15, he has big plans for what he’s going to do once he graduates high school. He’s thinking about going to college and possibly studying engineering or business, but no matter what path he chooses, he’s already setting himself up for success. “Working at 54 Station has taught me a lot about responsibility and how to multitask. I think those skills are going to help me no matter what I do. I definitely want to keep learning and keep pushing myself.”