To help foot the bill, Lewkow puts in at least 40 hours a week as an assistant manager at ZJ Boarding House, in charge of buying skateboards and apparel for the skate and surf shop. On his off time, Lewkow gives private skateboarding lessons.
"I was filling the tank at least twice a week during my last semester, and every fill-up was $50," said Lewkow, an international business marketing major who skipped the spring semester to earn more money.
He's worried the fuel bill will swell to $150 a week when he returns to school in the fall. That would amount to a huge hit, given that Lewkow is clearing about $725 to $925 a month after he has paid for rent, an Internet connection and electricity at the Santa Monica house he shares with five roommates.
