Lessons Learned from COVID-19

BYU-Pathway Worldwide has been developed to provide access to higher education for people who otherwise would not be able to pursue it. BYU-Pathway was uniquely prepared to help navigate the disruption of COVID-19 and play a part in bringing hope to even more people. Learn from students and service missionaries as they share their personal experiences of witnessing God’s love and pressing forward with faith.

Shana Moulin, Thoiry, France
BYU-Pathway student

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

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

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

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.