With the exception of ultra-quick crosswords, Schwartz’s morning fits the bill of a typical WashU student’s routine — coffee, studying and class. But unlike many others, he has an additional factor to consider when scheduling his days: working at the South 40 mailroom.

Through my own experiences this year, work-study has provided me with minimal opportunities to work on campus. The website touts the program as a possibility to build your resume, but often these jobs are focused only in certain areas, such as working in a lab. While this may be beneficial for some, it leaves many students out. This has only been exacerbated by the pandemic.

With non-salaried undergraduate, graduate and contract workers left unable to work at full capacity, Washington University administrators have committed to addressing their financial needs for the rest of the semester.

My anxiety about money is hindering my ability to take care of myself and other people in my life who matter to me.

While any work-study student will tell you it is nice to have an income for tuition and outside expenses, being a working student indeed comes with its drawbacks.