Coming out of high school, graduating seniors face numerous big decisions about their future. But with the sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of those monumental decisions that were already made are now in need of complete revision.

"Plan A has kind of gotten wiped out for a lot of people. Everyone’s having to move onto Plan B," said Jenny McAllister, a resident of Lehi. McAllister’s son, Landon, had his mission to the Philippines for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cut short by five months.

"This wasn’t the plan. It’s not what things were supposed to look like. But you don’t have any choice but to work through it and make the best of it."

Instead of mere days to adjust to college life after getting home in August, Landon McAllister now has several months to prepare for his freshman year at Utah State University in Logan.

For other young adults whose missions, jobs, or study abroad opportunities have ended abruptly, now may be the perfect time to kickstart or revamp their education.

Utah State has a variety of resources to help these students, and the university is ready to accommodate those whose plans have been disrupted.

"With so much devastation and loss during this unprecedented time, we want to give as many students as possible a chance to experience something positive here at USU," said Katie North, executive director of New Student Enrollment.

Here are some of the ways USU is helping to make the transition back to less-than-normal life as smooth as possible.

Online opportunities

Riley Young was serving a mission when he was recalled from Sao Paulo, Brazil, in March. A native of Burley, Idaho, Young attended USU before leaving on his mission, and he planned to return to Logan this fall.

But Young is now dealing with a life interrupted.

"Like so many people, I felt like everything was being taken away from me," Young said.

When he returned to the U.S., Young met with USU’s Student Orientation and Transition Services to learn more about the many options the university provides, including its online offerings. USU Online, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, was recognized in January by U.S. News & World Report as having the 23rd best online bachelor’s program in the country.

"I wasn’t aware of the online classes the university had, including all of the different options for summer semester," Young said. "Learning about those options gives me a lot to think about and consider. I can choose what works best for me and feel like I am making decisions for my future."

USU’s land-grant mission

In addition to health concerns, the pandemic has led to financial worries. Prospective college students are now seeking affordable opportunities closer to home.

As Utah’s land-grant institution, USU’s faculty provides excellence in teaching, not only in Logan, but also at its statewide campuses and through its online offerings.

"There’s not another institution in Utah that can provide the vast network of support across the entire state," said Robert Wagner, Vice President of Academic and Instructional Services at USU. "We are making pertinent degrees accessible to more students, with greater flexibility."

Where he previously believed his life was mapped out until this fall, McAllister is now pondering the possibility of employment and additional education opportunities. It’s not an easy transition for someone who feels he left half of his heart back in the Philippines.

"I’m experiencing what I’m sure a lot of missionaries are: you’re happy to be home, but you miss your mission and being able to serve the people you love," McAllister said. "A lot of change has happened in a short period of time. It’s a situation you didn’t want, but you have to try and learn to adjust and work with it."

Apply today

As the world continues to experience change and uncertainty, pursuing education is one way to establish a sense of normalcy.

USU is currently accepting admissions applications with an extended new student academic scholarship deadline of June 1. The university, although currently completely online due to limitations from COVID-19, continues its vast degree offerings for both traditional and online students.

For more information about applying at Utah State University, visit usu.edu/admissions. Tips and resources for returned missionaries are available at usu.edu/missionary.

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