1) You have a lot to learn about refactoring and working in codebases that aren't great. I have never once been upset with a junior developer who went above and beyond a task to try to make something better, especially those who ask questions along the way. Don't do the tasks they are for. Do accomplish the same result they are hoping for in a better way! And learn from it. (Refactoring, better tests, better OO or functional principles).

2) I have worked in very very large companies which have part time intern spots that pay much better than restaurants and grocery stores.

3), 4), 5) here here! Well said.

On the Edit note: I want to point out that three of my very best software engineer colleagues started their careers in construction. One moved rocks at a quarry, one was a roofing and framing assistant, one did concrete contracting. All have a work ethic unlike any I have seen in a life long engineer. Not only are they brilliant coders, they have immense problem solving skills, fantastic people skills, and they don't complain nearly as much as everyone else.