McDonald’s: “A Global Icon”

Accessible, craveable and efficient is a promise from the heart of fast food, McDonald’s. There are over 13,000 locations available in the US, providing jobs and services for communities and cities. The consistent favorites can always be found, but the seasonal fun mixes like the shamrock shakes keep customers always wanting more. The Broadview Heights location is a provider for many high school students to get their first job and experience life in the fast food industry. 

Starting in 1940 in San Bernardino, California, the first McDonald’s opening was a hit. The McDonald brothers opened the first hit of fast food for 15 cent burgers, fries, and shakes.  It quickly grew across the country changing the standardization of fast food. Today, McDonald’s is one of the largest fast food industries in the world bringing in a yearly revenue of $11.7 billion. 

This month the menu features a popular drink. The shamrock shake first debut was in 1970, not being mint flavored, but lemon lime instead. To try to make it more popular and appealing, the flavor was changed to mint in 1983.  Today the popular drink is still in demand for the minty seasonal reminder of the March holiday.

Although McDonald’s is best known for its burgers, fries and shakes, they also play a significant role in supporting communities around the world. McDonald’s contributes to local communities through employment opportunities for adults and students, charity programs and local partnerships that make an impact. In fact, McDonald’s supports BBHHS through advertising in the HyBreeze. 

A major part of the company’s community involvement is its support of Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Ronald McDonald House was established in 1974.  They provide housing and resources for families with critically ill children who have to receive medical treatment far from home. Worldwide Ronald McDonald’s houses are located near hospitals helping families stay close to children in need. 

One direct way McDonald’s helps Brecksville and Broadview Heights students is through employment. With a few locations nearby, it is easy for students to find jobs and receive  scholarships when available. Many students at BBHHS are currently or have worked at McDonald’s on Royalton Road.

Freshman Brennan Oswick decided to work at Mcdonald’s over the summer because he was bored and wanted to make his own source of income. Oswick says,“It’s nice having my own money and not having to rely on my parents as much.” A part of growing up is getting a job and learning how to be responsible with income and learning to spend money wisely.

Working while in high school helps teens develop responsibility and time management. Students need to learn to balance school assignments, extracurricular and work schedules. This helps teach organization with time efficiency. A job like McDonald’s helps teens build communication and teamwork abilities. Interacting with coworkers and customers, they learn to work with others and solve problems.  These experiences can help prepare them for future employment.

Current employee and senior at BBHHS, Noelle Bayless states, “I handle school and work by making school my priority and my job secondary, school events come first. I work limited hours so I can focus on school, time with loved ones, and myself.” Being a student and having a job can be a lot to handle at times, making sure you know how and when enough work is done can be very important. 

Although there are many positives to working and being employed, there are also many negatives about the fast food industry. “ Lately I’ve been coming to the realization that there is definitely a correlation between the hours you work and how fat/unhealthy you are. It sounds awful, but when you think about it you’re surrounded by this fast food all day, you eat it on break, so you almost have no choice.” says Junior Connor Emch.

Although Emch works at McDonald’s, he limits to only working one day a week and on breaks he avoids the greasy fried foods he’s surrounded with and tries to go  for a more healthy option.  McDonald’s does offer some healthier options for those looking to minimize caloric/fat intake. 

A common concern surrounding McDonald’s is the nutritional value of some fast food items, which are often high in calories, salt and fat. Many argue that frequent consumption of fast food can contribute to health problems such as obesity and type two diabetes. Avoiding and not over consuming greasy foods can help in the long run.  

McDonald’s has made an impact on fast food, business and job opportunities for students. Many young people gain their first work experience there, learning valuable skills such as responsibility, teamwork, time management and customer service. These experiences can help teenagers build confidence and prepare for future careers. McDonalds continues to be a common starting point for teens entering the workforce and developing skills that can benefit them throughout their lives.