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, Part II, and Part III.
Part IV
Casey Fetkenhour is a junior Barrett Honors student majoring in Exercise and Wellness, living in the downtown Phoenix campus.
This year, Fetkenhour is a Community Assistant (CA) for the 12th floor of the second tower in Taylor Place. This particular building mainly houses Freshmen students.
“As a CA, I focus on interacting as best as I can with the students on my floor by posting community-building events,” said Fetkenhour. “I also have to walk down the halls throughout certain times of the day to make sure everyone is following guidelines.”
Due to the circumstances of the pandemic, Fetkenhour knew the many adjustments she had to make before moving into Taylor Place as a CA.
“I was looking forward to interacting with my students face-to-face, meeting new people, maintaining relationships, so I’ve definitely had to acclimate to fit into what a CA looks like during this time. It’s different, of course, but not too hard.”
Because she lives in a college residence hall, she expresses the concern of possibly catching the virus since Fetkenhour knows people that have tested positive. However, thankfully, she hasn’t come in contact with those who have.
“Of course – I always keep on my mask at all times to not only keep myself safe but for everyone around me. You’ll also rarely find me leaving my dorm room! I aim to leave when it’s necessary.”
Aside from working as a CA, she also works at the Sun Devil Fitness Center, which leaves the rest of the time packed with classes in her schedule.
“A typical week comprises waking up between 7:30 – 8:00 a.m., taking classes through Zoom except for one class that I go in-person for, working out in the gym, checking on my students, and studying for my 18 credit classes this semester. On Saturday mornings, I sometimes go to the Downtown Farmer’s Market across the street from Taylor Place as well.”
Regardless if the pandemic happened or not, Fetkenhour emphasizes this semester would’ve been the same for her. The differences were in the activities she couldn’t experience.
“A lot of my friends aren’t living on campus this semester and that’s been a little difficult for me. Some of my other friends live in the Tempe campus as well so it’s not easy to meet up with them during the week. I was also excited about football games and events, but that all got canceled.”
Because the U.S. has seen over seven millions of cases and 200 thousand deaths caused by the virus, Fetkenhour highlighted the stress she’s been feeling.
“I’m worried about how this nation will recover from this successfully. It’s upsetting to see people who don’t see this virus as serious as it is.”
Despite the many turmoils we are all facing, she stressed some helpful words for students.
“Even though there are limitations on what we can do, I would encourage students to still make the most of it. Meet up with your friends even if you have to keep a social distance because it makes it so much better than to stay inside all day. I would also suggest taking breaks, going outside, and if you can take classes in-person, do it!”
Contact the reporter at yhan99@asu.edu.
Yoori Han was the politics editor at Downtown Devil during fall 2021 and part of spring 2022.
