RJ Smith, a student at the University of Oregon, studies in his apartment. Smith is an aspiring law student, majoring in History and Political Science while minoring in Legal Studies and Sociology. As a passionate historian, Smith plans on using his

RJ Smith, a student at the University of Oregon, studies in his apartment. Smith is an aspiring law student, majoring in History and Political Science while minoring in Legal Studies and Sociology. As a passionate historian, Smith plans on using his skills to adapt to a law degree, but the law school application process is causing him considerable anxiety, because of the competitive entry, while having to balance LSAT scores and a good GPA. "I'm terrified," Smith said. "Constantly." (Will Geschke)

RJ Smith reads for his Japanese history class. With two majors and two minors, Smith is always busy. (Will Geschke)

RJ Smith reads for his Japanese history class. With two majors and two minors, Smith is always busy. (Will Geschke)

RJ Smith changes the strings on his 1977 Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. The guitar belonged to his father, who passed away when Smith was three years old. Smith doesn’t remember much about his dad, but this guitar, which he found while his fami

RJ Smith changes the strings on his 1977 Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. The guitar belonged to his father, who passed away when Smith was three years old. Smith doesn’t remember much about his dad, but this guitar, which he found while his family was moving 3 years ago, has been a way of reconnecting with his father and the family who knew him. Finding the guitar inspired also Smith to begin learning the instrument. (Will Geschke)

RJ Smith tunes his father's 1977 Fender Stratocaster. Because his father was left handed, he has to string the guitar upside down in order to play it. (Will Geschke)

RJ Smith tunes his father's 1977 Fender Stratocaster. Because his father was left handed, he has to string the guitar upside down in order to play it. (Will Geschke)

RJ Smith's calendar hangs over his desk. On the left are a series of pins Smith has collected, in the middle, his father's obituary, and on the right, a copy of the poem "No title required" by Wislawa Szymborska, a meaningful one for him. Also hangin

RJ Smith's calendar hangs over his desk. On the left are a series of pins Smith has collected, in the middle, his father's obituary, and on the right, a copy of the poem "No title required" by Wislawa Szymborska, a meaningful one for him. Also hanging on the calendar is a feather patch, given to him by a close family friend after he became an eagle scout. (Will Geschke)

RJ Smith's bookshelf in his room, which includes his collection of presidential biographies. Smith's interest in history led to his desire to collect historical nonfiction. (Will Geschke)

RJ Smith's bookshelf in his room, which includes his collection of presidential biographies. Smith's interest in history led to his desire to collect historical nonfiction. (Will Geschke)

On Smith's desk rests a clock he built in Freshman Year of his High School (rear), a photo of his late father (center), and his father's watch (foreground). (Will Geschke)

On Smith's desk rests a clock he built in Freshman Year of his High School (rear), a photo of his late father (center), and his father's watch (foreground). (Will Geschke)

RJ Smith looks out from his balcony where he occasionally relaxes after long hours of studying, anxious yet excited about the future he’s working towards. (Will Geschke)

RJ Smith looks out from his balcony where he occasionally relaxes after long hours of studying, anxious yet excited about the future he’s working towards. (Will Geschke)