PHOTO GALLERY: Ezana Gebru found his work ethic differs from his parents'

July 4, 2012 | 6:00 a.m. CDT

Ezana Gebru has found that he has never had the work ethic his parents do. The son of two Ethiopian immigrants who raised four kids while going to school and working full time, Gebru had the American Dream drilled into him. Seven years of college later, he is a part-time waiter and nearly ready to graduate from Missouri State University.

Ezana Gebru, left, Preston Stigall and Casey Trevarthen check the dinner specials before their work shift at Touch Restaurant in Springfield. Throughout his college career, Gebru has taken out loans and worked as a waiter to pay for the seven years he’s spent working on earning his bachelor’s degrees. | Megan May

Samantha Williams, Ezana Gebru, Jevon Huang and Casey Trevarthen prepare for a busy night at Touch Restaurant in Springfield. The high-end restaurant has helped Gebru bring in tips to pay for his tuition fees. | Megan May

Ezana Gebru, left, goes out with co-worker Jason Parker after the two finish a shift at Touch Restaurant. Gebru and his co-workers often relax at Flame Steakhouse and Wine Bar. | Megan May

Ezana Gebru helps a friend with his laundry. Gebru has had multiple roommates because he has transferred schools three times before landing at Missouri State University, where he is studying psychology and economics. | Megan May

Ezana Gebru changed schools three times before attending Missouri State University. The son of Ethiopian refugees who worked their way into the St. Louis middle class, Gebru has found that his work ethics differ greatly from his parents. | Megan May