These photos are of Chris Garcia, who is a biology major at the University of Oregon. Chris had an unexpected complication with his scholarship, and as a result, took up work at an on-campus café.
Common Grounds Café is a popular eating spot on the University of Oregon campus, offering students a wide range of products from coffee to paninis. This is where Chris Garcia has had to take up work after the University rescinded his scholarship.While having to complete mundane tasks for several hours out of his day is not ideal, it is a situation he has decided to tackle head-on. As a California resident, Chris is having to pay a hefty out of state tuition rate. Already halfway through his sophomore year, jumping through hoops to try and obtain Oregon residency is not an ideal situation for his four-year graduation plan.While his main responsibility is manning the register, Chris must be ready to take on a variety of duties to keep the café running efficiently. Other responsibilities include preparing sandwiches, making smoothies, and bagging and distributing pastries.
While balancing school, work, and a social life is stressful, he always maintains a positive attitude. A minimum wage job is not ideal; however, it is teaching him valuable skills that he can use later in his professional life.
