Dateline segment 'The Promise' introduces Mary Bennett, a college student working as a teacher's aide while juggling multiple jobs to pay for education, who recently began a new relationship just before Valentine's Day. The narrative establishes her personal circumstances and life context through dialogue with acquaintances Kathy and Sister Tina.
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EVERY NETWORK'S FRAMING
“Dateline segment 'The Promise' introduces Mary Bennett, a college student working as a teacher's aide while juggling multiple jobs to pay for education, who recently began a new relationship just before Valentine's Day. The narrative establishes her personal circumstances and life context through dialogue with acquaintances Kathy and Sister Tina.”
covered 2026-07-12 ▶ Be on the air with NBC NewsAdd your voice
Topic poll · all networksWhat does Mary Bennett's future hold after Dateline's spotlight?
Topic poll · all networksWhat % of U.S. college students work while enrolled?
- About 25%
- About 43%
- About 62%
- About 70%
Guess, then reveal the answer
About 70%
Topic poll · all networksWhat's the hardest part of working through college?
Topic poll · all networksWhat should be Mary Bennett's top priority right now?
Over 40% of full-time college students in the U.S. also hold jobs!
Balancing work and school is common — many students juggle multiple jobs to cover tuition and living costs. Learn about the working student experience at Wikipedia