At 10:25 a.m., students at The Columbus School rush to classmates selling cookies and snacks—young entrepreneurs learning to balance school responsibilities with the hustle of running small businesses.

This article dives into the lives of student vendors at The Columbus School. It explores how they juggle academics with entrepreneurship, what drives them to sell, and the lessons they learn along the way. With insights from two vendors and a teacher, it reveals what really happens behind each sale.

Daniel Franco, a familiar 11th-grade vendor, shares how he started his business selling cinnamon buns from Esponjados.
“I used to sell something I made myself,” Franco said. “But it was too much work, and it took a lot of my personal time. So I decided to sell something that I didn’t have to make.” Franco said.

Vicente Echavarría, another 11th grader, takes a different approach.
“I’m selling a dessert based on Milo, a powdered chocolate, and yes, I personally do make the product myself — with the help of my brother,” Echavarría said.

Both vendors agree that they began selling with the goal of earning money toward something meaningful.
“The reason we decided to start selling is that we gathered an interest recently in buying a motorcycle,” Echavarría said.
Franco echoed that motivation: “I’m saving up to buy a motorcycle.”

However, both admit the experience goes far beyond just making a profit.
“I’ve really learned the sacrifices people have to make to sell in school,” said Echavarría. “And I’ve learned the techniques people use and how to manage a small business.”

Franco agrees, adding:
“The main things I’ve learned from selling to peers are soft skills. For example, how to be charismatic, how to present yourself to customers, how to interact with them — and general life skills.”

Teachers enjoy the presence of vendors, too. Journalism teacher Andrew Shainker says,
“I enjoy seeing students striving to build a name for themselves.”

He also believes selling can be a powerful way to learn:
“They learn how to deliver a great product, manage their money, and understand competition — like who else is selling a similar product.” Shainker said.

Still, not everyone sees it as a positive. Some schools and teachers worry that student-run businesses can become a distraction — both for the vendors and their peers.

“I do believe there should be rules in place,” Shainker said. “Selling is a privilege. Honestly, some of these student businesses are making an impressive amount of money — sometimes even more than what teachers might make in a day. So I don’t think it should just be open to everyone without any structure.”

At the same time, he believes that schools should encourage entrepreneurship.

“Teaching students to be entrepreneurs is so important,” Shainker added. “Even in journalism assignments, students are creating something of their own.”

The impact of selling has shaped student perspectives in lasting ways.
“I’ve recently seen how much sacrifice entrepreneurs have to make to actually start a business and make it successful,” Echavarría said.

“It’s laid the foundation for what’s to come — mostly about having vision. I’ve realized what I need to improve, what direction to take, and how to keep growing.” Franco added.

Whether they’re saving up for a motorcycle or learning how to handle competition, these student vendors are doing more than just selling snacks — they’re building real-world skills. Their stories remind us that entrepreneurship in schools isn’t just about profit; it’s about growth, resilience, and initiative. Behind every sale lies a journey of effort, learning, and determination — and that deserves to be seen and supported.