Student Feature: Ethan Miszczak

This month Commuter Life interviewed with one of our students, Ethan Miszczak, to discuss his experience as a commuter. 

Ethan just finished his junior year this past spring. He is majoring in aeronautics, although this was not his original degree path when coming to college.  

“I was originally a business major, and I didn’t feel fulfilled in it. My mom had actually brought up switching majors, telling me that she could see me as a pilot. So, I looked into it and then made the switch,” Ethan said.

After graduating Ethan’s plan is to build up his flight hours as an instructor in Florida and then join on with United Airlines.  

As a kid Ethan’s family moved around often due to his father being in the air force. He shared he mostly grew up in Texas, but before coming to Liberty University he was in the DC area. Ethan knew of a lot of people coming to attend Liberty and thought it would be a good school to enroll in.  

Ethan shared that Liberty being a Christian university was a big pull as well. 

“I grew up in a Christian household, so my faith has always been with me since I was very little. Coming to Liberty has definitely helped strengthen, that with Convo and campus community being offered. As well as being around those who share the same values as me,” Ethan said.

Fall 2022 was Ethan’s first semester as a commuter. He enjoyed the commuter experience and has loved his time off campus.  

“I have enjoyed being a commuter more this year as I have been able to really get off campus and enjoy what that has to offer compared to just what on campus has to offer. The fact that I have a kitchen and can cook is the biggest thing. I love to cook,” Ethan said. 

Ethan shared there were a few disadvantages to being a commuter that students should be aware of when considering the switch to move off. For him, the main disadvantage is having to wake up early. Like many commuters with early classes, accounting for parking is a related challenge.  

“What would have made it easier to know before becoming a commuter is how parking is an issue. Just that you need to get up extra early. I missed my first week of classes due to not knowing where to park,” Ethan said. 

Advice to commuters 

His overall advice is to be strategic and selective with where to live off campus.  

“I know there is a lot of houses a bit further from campus, but I’d recommend living as close to campus as possible. That helps as if there is something going on at campus you can drive to it without going super far,” Ethan said.