SAN ANTONIO – While most middle schoolers spend their summers glued to their couches, watching TV, 13-year-old Jaziel Williams braves the heat outside of his West side home to make a quick buck for his school supplies fund.
Williams sits at the corner of SW 19th Street and Tampico almost every day with his large lunch box and cooler of water bottles, waiting for someone to stop and buy a bottle of water or two for a dollar each.
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Everyday, Williams puts away a portion of his sales so come time for back-to-school shopping, his parents don't have to shoulder the full burden of school supplies, clothes and other necessities.
Williams said he's been selling water bottles during the summer since he was 10-years-old. Sales picked up after a Facebook post of Jaziel went viral.
To anyone in the west side area.... on my way home from work I met Jazel and he is trying to earn money for school...
Posted by Jacob Yadi Sauceda on Wednesday, July 5, 2017
But soon after the post, Williams took a break from selling to attend an overnight church retreat. Now, he's back for good.
Williams said while his friends find his early start to entrepreneurship funny, the joke is really on them -- he doesn't have to depend on his parents for his day-to-day wants.
Williams comes from a household of six -- three brothers and sisters and his mom and dad. His father is a custodian and his mother is a care provider.
Jaziel's sister Janely said her parents have always imparted the value of working hard for what you want. In fact, Janely graduated second in her class at Lanier High School this year and is headed to Abilene Christian University on several scholarships for her academic performance.
Those interested in contributing to Jaziel's school supply fund can buy a bottle of water outside of the Williams family's house between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. most days.