Students and service missionaries share their personal experiences of persisting during the coronavirus pandemic
![Pathway - Elizabeth Cameron](https://byu-pathway.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8a93613/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1266x662+0+0/resize/600x314!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbyu-pathway-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2F12%2F0f95132342428d9a66ff6a90a96d%2F170329-cameron-family-270-1266x622.jpg)
Shana Moulin, Thoiry, France
BYU-Pathway student
![BYU-Pathway Student Shana Moulin](https://byu-pathway.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/18b7a31/2147483647/strip/true/crop/300x300+0+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbyu-pathway-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2Fcf%2F8287e7784771903710e71e6f8486%2Fshana-moulin-300x300.png)
Because of COVID-19, many missionaries in my mission were sent home. It was hard to think that my time was over. During my mission, I had received an email saying that I was pre-admitted to BYU-Pathway Worldwide. When I got home, I felt like it would be a good use of my time. I prayed and felt I should join.
What an amazing decision! I could do something meaningful again. I virtually met new friends who share my same values, and I felt the same Spirit as when I was on my mission. I’ve learned skills that are so useful and that I am applying right now. Also, the Returned Missionary Scholarship is an amazing help.
I’m so grateful for BYU-Pathway and the opportunity it gives me to not be stagnant, to keep learning, to use my time wisely, and to build my future. I do not regret my decision to join, and the fact that I was sent home early gave me the opportunity. I’m really grateful.
Dan and Dellene Lowry, Utah, USA
Service missionaries
![Lowry service missionaries](https://byu-pathway.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/59fbfaa/2147483647/strip/true/crop/474x474+0+0/resize/474x474!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbyu-pathway-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F32%2F4d21ad3d4d44a9f6567122b3070f%2Flowry1.jpeg)
When the pandemic hit, we were serving as missionaries at BYU-Pathway headquarters. BYU-Pathway had been piloting different approaches to PathwayConnect for years. So when we heard that in-person weekly gatherings would need to be canceled, we watched a miraculous transformation take place. Within a week and a half, our leaders trained service missionaries on how to proceed virtually, and the gathering portion of the program moved forward without a hitch!
None of us could have predicted the pandemic would hit in 2020, but we have a firm testimony that the Lord knew and was helping us prepare. It is very exciting to see how BYU-Pathway has grown during these times. We will never stop sharing our testimonies with those we feel could be blessed by this inspired program!
Kathy Smith, Washington, USA
BYU-Pathway student
![BYU-Pathway Student Kathy Smith](https://byu-pathway.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4e06154/2147483647/strip/true/crop/300x300+0+0/resize/300x300!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbyu-pathway-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F96%2Fdf%2F5033c4b7401f846daa4dfb2d15a6%2Fkathy-smith-square-300x300.jpeg)
A lot has happened in the last six months, but I do not doubt for one minute the decision I made to enroll in BYU-Pathway. In addition to feelings of isolation due to the pandemic and polarization because of protests and riots, I finished my third year teaching seminary, had a young daughter hospitalized 150 miles away, had a daughter-in-law struggle with pre-term labor, and experienced the loss of both my father-in-law and stepfather.
The lessons taught each week in my gatherings helped me cope with my current circumstances. I am so thankful for the way that academic and spiritual learning are intertwined in this inspired program. I can’t adequately express my gratitude.
Erick Acevedo, Panama City, Panama
BYU-Pathway student
![BYU-Pathway student Erick Acevedo](https://byu-pathway.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d17f137/2147483647/strip/true/crop/638x638+0+0/resize/600x600!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbyu-pathway-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F75%2Fd2%2Fc902eaf44b6b8c4f572072cb2987%2Ferick-acevedo-square.jpeg)
After the pandemic started, I thought my dream of studying to pursue a career had been frustrated, but I promised to leave everything in God’s hands. When I graduated from high school, I asked God to guide me toward the right career and university. During that time, I discovered BYU-Pathway Worldwide, and it became a direct and clear answer to my prayers.
PathwayConnect gave me the hope of knowing that I can study online, since my country was not really prepared to change all face-to-face education to online. It has helped me to test my skills and is easier with the help of Heavenly Father.