IRVINE, Calif. – Wake up. Eat. Go to class. Eat. Work. Track and Field practice. Eat. Homework. Sleep. Repeat.
 
With all of the responsibilities a student-athlete must face on a daily basis, it is a wonder that some are able to fit in a part-time job as well. One CUI student athlete, Miguel Ayala, works a typical 10-hour job a week, while maintaining a busy practice and competition schedule.  The junior distance runner for the track and field team is able to do so because of his work in the Heritage Garden on Concordia's campus. 
 
"I love manual labor and getting to spend time outside," said Miguel, when asked about why he chose this campus job. The Heritage Garden employs many student-athletes on the five-acre plot of land. 
 
"I weed, prune, harvest, plant, and grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs of various kinds within the garden." Miguel gave a tour of the grounds, showing where he often weeds and maintains the peaceful grounds. There's a greenhouse, a community garden, and even a prayer space for students to come spend time with the Lord in nature. 
 
Eventually, the fruits, vegetables, and herbs, once fully ripened, are used in the campus cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For instance, there are avocado trees, pink lemons, and guavas that are all harvested to be eaten by Concordia students. Miguel, as well as other athletes, are a part of creating healthy eating options for everyone on campus. 
 
Students and professors who are in charge of the garden have research projects throughout the year. Miguel simply helps the biology department with maintenance, while getting a chance to work a job that fits perfectly with his busy college student/athlete schedule. 
 
At the end of the tour, Miguel stood proudly over his hard work in the Heritage Garden, clearly feeling refreshed after a few hours of work. While some campus jobs provide student-athletes with a chance to help pay for college, there are also some campus jobs that do much more than that. Some jobs, like working in the on-campus garden, provide a chance for new learning and a way to worship the Lord in His creation.

The CUI indoor track and field teams are competing this weekend in Topeka, Kansas at the Ichabod Invitational hosted by Washburn University.

For the full CUI track and field schedule, click here.
 
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