ASU grad follows dream of teaching despite pandemic challenges

Elizabeth Lund juggled a lot in her academic career at ASU before graduating in December with her degree in Earth and space science secondary education. Along with getting married during her third year and changing majors, Lund was also a student teacher during the pandemic, building a close-knit classroom virtually and launching her new career in a very challenging time for educators and families.

Lund, a 23-year-old originally from Queen Creek, said that teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic was hard at first because the students were very hesitant, but as the year progressed things dramatically changed once everyone warmed up to each other. 

“We became a family that depends on each other. Now that we are going back to school online, my students are sad because they want to come into class because they are enjoying school.”

ASU grad Elizabeth Lund

She teaches a variety of science subjects to juniors and seniors in high school, from weather to astronomy to evolutions. But her favorite is geology.

“I like teaching about rocks, because then I get to do a lot of funny rock puns and my students roll their eyes at me. We have a lot of fun in my classroom,” she said.

Lund says that she was inspired to be a teacher because her passion is for helping people. Before that, she was studying nonprofits, which she also enjoyed because of its emphasis on service. 

She said she’s loved her time at ASU because it’s helped lead her to a job she loves. It also led her to a person she loves. Lund met her husband, Alec, through her roommate. They married before his graduation, and they bought a house recently that they’ve been renovating together.

“Even though there was so much going on, it was super fun planning a wedding,” she said. “It was kind of one of those things where we just rose to the occasion because everything going on was all really important.”

The couple was able to make the most of some time at home during the pandemic to make progress on their new house.

“I don’t think our house would have progressed as much as it has now unless I was at home able to help paint and put together IKEA cabinets in between classes, so something really positive came out of quarantine for us,” she said. 

As she wrapped up her time at ASU, Lund shared the advice she’d give to current students, and what the future holds for her. 

“Overall, ASU is an amazing school that gave me a degree so I can do a job I absolutely love. I wouldn't have been able to graduate and get where I am without the support of my friends, family and cohort, and especially my husband,” she said. 

Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: Good question. My aha moment was the first time I was in the classroom with the students. Making connections, teaching students about life and investing in their lives is an amazing joy. These kids are amazing and they make every day so much fun!

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: Everybody has a different story. 

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU because my older sister was going to ASU. We wanted to live together one last time. Also, ASU has an amazing viewpoint where they let anybody in because they want to give a chance to everyone. I appreciate that they welcome people to get a good education. 

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Find a career you are passionate about, try it out for a while to assure yourself, then go for it full force. 

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: ASU has an amazing campus! I love both libraries, the Secret Garden, the Student Pavilion, underground in the MU, the Teachers College building and outside the WX building. The campus has so many great places to hang out with friends and study. 

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I already have a job as the Earth and space science teacher at Westwood High School. I teach juniors and seniors. 

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: Going green. Sustainability. 

Reporting by Claire Muranaka and Hannah Moulton Belec, EOSS Marketing