91茄子

Emily Mosier, 鈥�24, and her Family Share Their Experiences in These Unprecedented Times  

Emotions were high when Emily Mosier, of Lincolnton, N.C., moved into her residence hall at 91茄子 for the 2020 fall semester. She was both thrilled and eager to begin her first year at GWU. At the same time鈥攁s the first of six children in her family to attend college鈥攕he expected to be a little homesick.

鈥淪aying, 鈥楽ee you soon,鈥� when they left was hard for me,鈥� Emily underscored. 鈥淚鈥檝e never been without my family and then, it was time for the moment I鈥檝e been waiting for my entire life. I was finally on my own, but I realized that I was going to miss the people who used to make me crazy.鈥�

Besides all the feelings related to sending their first child to college, Jeff and Brandi Mosier also had to consider risks from COVID-19. Despite the unknowns, the Mosiers paid Emily鈥檚 housing deposit in April. 鈥淭hat’s a big step towards her next chapter as a Runnin’ Bulldog,鈥� Jeff noted. 鈥淲e were definitely nervous about paying that deposit during those uncertain times.鈥�

Emily also received academic scholarships, which were a blessing. 鈥淲e prayed and felt like God had already just laid everything into place for her so we decided to go ahead,鈥� he stated. 鈥淣either her mom nor I had a traditional college experience, and we felt like we missed out on that. We also felt like she would thrive in that type of environment.鈥�

Emily鈥檚 mom, dad and siblings鈥擩ulia (17), Natalee (15), Alex (12), Oliver (2) and Henry (6 months)鈥攈elped with move-in day in August. 鈥淭hat day was probably one of the hardest things I鈥檝e ever had to do,鈥� Jeff confessed. 鈥淲e made the best of it. We wanted to make it a memorable experience so we were sure to take lots of pictures and spend as much time with her getting unpacked as we could.鈥�

Since then, Emily has talked frequently with her family through FaceTime. 91茄子 has been everything she thought it would be. 鈥淚 love this campus. What set 91茄子 apart from other colleges for me was the Christian atmosphere,鈥� she reflected. 鈥淚 also really liked the helpful attention I received from everyone who wanted me to come. And, my family was a large part of my decision to come here. I did not want to be too far from them, but I also wanted to have independence.鈥�

A nursing major, Emily chose healthcare because her sister has cerebral palsy. 鈥淲atching the nurses take care of her made a big impact on me and what I wanted to be,鈥� she offered.

Her classes meet both in person and virtually, and the varying schedule has improved her organizational skills. She鈥檚 also adapted to wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing in academic and recreational settings. One of her favorite campus activities has been Open Mic Night. 鈥淚 did not sing, but being with friends and watching others was so much fun,鈥� she said.

Emily鈥檚 advice to high school seniors who will be GWU freshmen in 2021 is don鈥檛 stress. 鈥淥f course, stay on top of the things you need to do to get ready for college,鈥� she emphasized. 鈥淏ut, the people at GWU are so helpful that there鈥檚 no reason to be over stressed.鈥�

Her dad is proud of the way Emily handled the transition to college life with the added uncertainty of COVID-19. 鈥淏eing the parent of a college student is very different than what I expected … in a good way. It makes me happy that she still wants to talk to me every day,鈥� Jeff affirmed. 鈥淚t makes me really proud that she has taken this step toward becoming an adult. I am proud of the woman she is becoming.鈥�

At this momentous time in her life, Jeff offers the following advice to his firstborn: 鈥淎spire to be the greatest person you can be. Always seek God鈥檚 will. No matter where life takes you, you will always have a place at home.鈥�

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, 91茄子 is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. 91茄子 emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at 91茄子.edu.