While the pandemic is a shared experience, these students’ stories are unique.
A pandemic is a shared experience, but many people have unique stories within that experience. Classes moved online, being separated from family and friends, losing the chance to compete at the national level. These students each have a unique view on what it means to be a Cardinal during the coronavirus.
Tom Greensall ’20, MBA
An MBA student from the United Kingdom (which is only second to the U.S. in number of cases), Tom Greensall is balancing adjusting to online learning, being an ocean away from his family, and missing the opportunity to walk across the stage at commencement on May 2.
Still, in the midst of this international health crisis, he chose to volunteer to deliver for Meals on Wheels and is looking forward to completing his capstone class this summer. “When our new reality hit, I wanted to help out in any way I could. I did some research and saw that Meals on Wheels was being inundated with requests from people who needed their services — at times over 100 new applications a day. The work with my internship had been put on pause, so I decided to use this time to volunteer and do my part to help.”
John Posey ’20, Psychology
It wasn’t an ideal situation for philosophy major,
John Posey, to remain on campus when residence halls were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as a member of the National Guard, he was one of 63 students who received a special extension to stay through the end of the semester.
Despite the emptiness, Posey was sad to leave and valued the extra time he had on campus. Posey said the decision to postpone the in-person commencement ceremony was no surprise to him. Even though he wasn’t able to follow the senior tradition of walking across the stage during graduation ceremonies, Posey is reminded that this is still a time for celebration for all his Class of 2020 colleagues. “I acknowledge these are unpredictable times, but I will always feel that Otterbein has helped me to challenge myself beyond what I thought I could do, no matter where, when or how I was learning. Otterbein taught me so much in terms of human interaction and personal growth. I feel those lessons have made me a more well-rounded student, job candidate and individual.” This summer, Posey will begin Officers Candidate School.
Drew Kasper ’20, Exercise Science
Cardinals wrestler Drew Kasper did not get his final chance to win a NCAA Division III national title, but he hopes his story can help the next student athlete accomplish that.
Kasper delivered a college record of 108-13, including a 62-2 mark after moving up to heavyweight as a junior and an undefeated Ohio Athletic Conference record with two Central Regional titles. He was ranked No. 1 in the country almost his entire senior season, but because of the 
NCAA shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, his season was cut short. Kasper has battled depression, a learning disability and early career setbacks, but those things did not stop him — and this pandemic won’t stop him either. Kasper will have a WWE tryout through his brother Jacob later this summer in Orlando, FL. “I did everything I was supposed to do,” Kasper said, “ but I hope and know the future holds happiness.”
