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, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII and Part VIII.
Part IX
While the COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the college experience, Emily Mogel finds herself academically thriving in the new virtual learning environment from across the country.
The ASU sophomore began her first year of college as a nonprofit leadership and management major at the downtown Phoenix campus, but after a year into the degree program, she realized it was not exactly what she wanted to be doing.
While Mogel is passionate about nonprofits and wants to live a life where she can give back to others, she decided to broaden her career opportunities and switch her major to communications with hopes of one day working in communications for a nonprofit.
“I realized that more of my interest was related to the communications field and communicating that message to a broader audience, specifically over social media.”
She says that the pandemic has highlighted the importance of social media and believes it is the future of communications.
Mogel’s interest in working in the nonprofit sector was sparked after having personal experiences with the Arthritis Foundation.
At the age of two, Mogel was diagnosed with arthritis and at the age of 10, she was connected with the Arthritis Foundation after her second onset of the disease.
“A lot of people don’t know this, but kids get arthritis too.”
After going into remission five years later, Mogel began volunteering and doing advocacy with the nonprofit. She then held an internship position with the organization during her senior year of high school.
“I was able to plan one of their fundraising events, The Walk to Cure Arthritis, and I realized that I wanted to contribute to social good for the rest of my life,” says Mogel.
Mogel is also minoring in digital audiences through the Walter Cronkite School and is earning a certificate in cross-sector leadership through Watts College. Her dream would be to one day work as a communication executive for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
“I feel that their organization is one that is so exciting. They really do make dreams and wishes come to life.”
Aside from taking 22 credits this semester and being on track to earning a 4.0 GPA, Mogel works part-time at Fossil and is involved in student organizations on campus.
In August she became a member of the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma and will be serving as a junior representative on the education committee for the next year.
She is also a member of the Next Generations Service Corps, which is a service-based leadership program. Within the NGSC, she is part of a gender equality mission team.
Even though the online format of this school year has been an adjustment, Mogel says she is thriving in it.
“It’s been quite the adjustment, but one that has proven positive.”
Mogel opted not to return to campus for the fall semester due to her previous health conditions and has spent the semester with her parents in Maryland.
“They’ve practically become my roommates, but they also cook for me so that’s been really nice.”
She had originally planned on being a community assistant in Taylor Place this school year, but had to make the decision to not take on the position because of her previous health conditions.
“It was really tough for me because I felt like I was giving up a leadership position and a responsibility that I 100% gladly accepted and that wasn’t part of my character and I’ve never done that before,” says Mogel, “It was really hard for me to handle, but I eventually came to peace with it.”
After making the decision to stay home for the semester, Mogel then decided to change her major.
“I felt that switching my major to communications would allow me to go more broad with my career choices instead of the very specific nonprofit route.”
While she has been able to manage her coursework in the virtual setting, she says building relationships has been a little bit harder.
“Building friendships and relationships from the courses I’m in now has proven to be a little more difficult than it would normally be in that in-person or hybrid setting.”
However, she says that joining KKG has definitely helped her feel more connected and excited to return to ASU’s campus in the future.
She hopes to return to campus for the spring 2021 semester but has not made a definite decision.
“I think now that the public has a better understanding of the precautions that we all need to take to prevent illness, I feel more confident in relocating for spring.”
However, if she is unable to come back in January, she will definitely be back for the next school year and looks forward to living in her sorority’s house in the Greek Leadership Village.
When the pandemic is finally behind us, Mogel most looks forward to being able to do the little things again. She can’t wait to be able to take pictures without masks, go on brunch dates and have a bake-off with her friends.
Similar to a lot of ASU students, she also looks forward to attending ASU sporting events.
“I miss the introduction to the game where Sparky stomps on the bus the most.”
Contact the reporter at mtorrest@asu.edu.
