There are plenty of ways for students to earn money that do not involve the phrase, "Do you want fries with that?" Though the waiter/waitress or even barista is the standard occupation of most students, we found that the food serviceindustry by no means has the market cornered on student employment. In a booming economy, it seems students can pick and choose their method of moneymaking - by performing lap dances, chewing on cottonballs, selling plasma and even grooming llamas. Here, we meet some local students who share the less-than-conventional ways they earn their livings.

Taking It Off: Stripping professionally can cover a student's bare essentials and then some.

Testing, Testing: Medical research offers students the chance to sit in chairs, ponder relationships and chew cotton balls for the advancement of science ... and a little cash.

Blood Money: When all else fails, why not sell your plasma?

Call Me: A professional escort can make big bucks, but at what cost?

My Odd Jobs: One man's trip to hell — or at least the graveyard — and back in pursuit of extra cash.

You Earned It How?: We strolled around VCU recently asking students what was the most unusual way they ever earned money.