The global COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed the lives of seven billion people in the world. As a result, college students are just one of the many groups learning to adapt to this new normal. How did a virus begin with one person in Wuhan, China, affect the very own lives of ourselves and our loved ones?
In the “ASU Student Diaries” series, we will change our lenses and view the surroundings of ASU students all over the world; whether it’s a student living on campus, at home, out of state, or even outside of the U.S., all to catch a glimpse of how they are acclimating while getting their education during this pandemic.
Catch up on Part I and Part II.
Part III
Nicholas Malinowski, 20, a junior currently studying medical studies at Arizona State University’s downtown Phoenix campus, wants to go to dental school after graduation.
He said his initial interest in dentistry sparked when he followed his sister to the dentist for a check-up.
“When I was young, I saw my dentist filling in my sister’s teeth and it was really fascinating,” Malinowski said. “That’s what sparked my curiosity to become a dentist myself.”
Originally from Washington, his freshman year started off like many at ASU’s downtown campus, at the Taylor Place dorms, where he was able to pursue his passions, excel in academics and meet a diverse group of friends.
Transitioning to his second year, he decided to move to Tempe with a couple of friends where he started working at Chipotle. Since his major is still downtown, he would regularly commute from Tempe to Phoenix to make sure his priority was school, a drive that could run upwards of 40 minutes in rush hour traffic.
“If I can find one positive thing that benefited from the pandemic for me is that I don’t have to commute for classes anymore because everything is online now. Jumping from one commitment to the next is definitely easier – proximity wise.”
Malinowski’s initial plans for this year were to move into Roosevelt Point, an apartment-style housing in downtown Phoenix, along with his friends, something that did not work out due to the pandemic.
But despite the ongoing pandemic, which has affected the restaurant industry on and off, he still currently works at Chipotle for about 30-40 hours a week.
“Working at Chipotle has definitely changed in how we interact with customers during this pandemic,” Malinowski said. “Before we had people freely come in and out but now, we’ve implemented limited seating, required masks, and digital orders have risen.”
However, despite working extensive hours during his week, Malinowski said he’s not apprehensive about catching the virus.
“At work, our staff has been taking precautions of sanitizing everything, wearing masks, and also aiming to keep social distance at play, so I’m not too worried.”
Aside from his busy working hours, he is taking five classes this semester.
“Going from classes, to work, to finding time to hang out with my friends has been an adjustment. Therefore, it’s important to effectively time manage your schedule and refrain from procrastination, for sure.”
Like most students, Malinowski’s schedule differs on a day-to-day basis. His week consists of waking up at 6 to 6:30 a.m. for work, tuning into classes in the afternoon, playing video games (Minecraft, Mario Kart, and Rocket League), and spending time with his girlfriend. He usually goes to bed at midnight to 1 a.m., packing in a lot in his 19 hours.
Malinowski said it is important to him that he stays away from hanging out in high capacity public spaces, as best as he can.
Prior to the pandemic, he enjoyed working out at the gym, going on hikes, road trips to Sedona with his friends, enjoying the pool and simply just going wherever he could, all of which are pretty hard to do safely right now.
He also acts as treasurer in an ASU pre-dental club. Similar to other pre-health organizations, this club brings in guest speakers who are currently in dental school or who are active dentists to give advice about applications, interviews, grades, and extracurricular.
This year the club combined the pre-dental groups from the Phoenix and Tempe campus with hopes to create a more immersive, interactive environment. This is nice to help add a sense of togetherness in a time that seems to isolate us all.
Malinowski’s post-undergraduate plan is to begin Dental school in Washington, back home with his family.
Amidst the unpredictabilities and unconventional times that we’re all persevering through, Malinowski has some promising words for other students.
“Staying motivated is key; find something that lingers for you to maintain productivity and also remember to manage your time well.”
Contact the reporter at yhan99@asu.edu.
Yoori Han was the politics editor at Downtown Devil during fall 2021 and part of spring 2022.
