by Rebecca Ellis

I have been working with the Memorial Union for approximately eight months.  I began my job as a barista at Java II spring term of the year 2006, and I must say it wasn’t anything that I would have expected.

My first day, it came apparent to me that there is a vast array of cultural differences here at Oregon State University.  Simply attending classed never provided me with the opportunity to experience the full feeling of being part of a cultural community.  Hundreds of students, as well as staff of different backgrounds, come through Java II each and every day.  This is a terrific way to meet students that I would probably never see on such a large campus.

I can recall one incident that included an individual of Middle Eastern decent.  She wanted to buy cookie and asked us to read the ingredients to her.  Alcohol was among the ingredients, and she did not buy the cookie because any alcohol consumption was against her religion.  This is when the thought came to my head that I am involved in a much larger community than what I thought.  We are all the same, yet different in our own special way.