def update_cell(self, row, col):
        """
        Function that computes the update for one cell in the Game of Life
        """
        # compute number of living neighbors
        neighbors = self.eight_neighbors(row, col)
        living_neighbors = 0
        for neighbor in neighbors:
            if not self.is_empty(neighbor[0], neighbor[1]):
                living_neighbors += 1
            
        # logic for Game of life        
        if (living_neighbors == 3) or (living_neighbors == 2 and not self.is_empty(row, col)):
            return mod_grid.FULL
        else:
            return mod_grid.EMPTY