In the aftermath of the destructive Hurricane Katrina, people didn’t just lose their families, friends and property. They lost things more dear than the unaffected could conjure: the security of homes, the smiles of loved ones and the states of mind that we all need to make it through the various other problems we encounter every day.
And in the midst of this unexpected disaster, it seems everything else is laughing in our faces. Gas prices have shot up. Gang members in New Orleans hindered the rescue effort. Politicians scramble for the best solution. Yet hope and support ushers immediately from willing saviors.
The MSU administration should definitely be commended. Unlike the situation last year with Hurricane Ivan, when school was not let out for a day, the administration realized the scope of this catastrophe by canceling class Monday and Tuesday. Even though classes have resumed, it’s healthy to keep going when something this terrible occurs to follow the conventional order we’ve been following.
At the same time, those who have lost so much have not been forgotten. The administration has suggested to the faculty to give consideration to students who may miss classes in the next few weeks, and professors will work with any student who may need more time to finish his work.
Moreover, MSU will try to allow students of more affected universities to attend here.
The help didn’t stop there, though. We thank the students who cleaned the campus. We thank the Student Association for the collection that it will take up Saturday for the victims of the storm. We thank Morgan Freeman for creating an online auction to amend damages. And thanks to all students, faculty and staff members who have opened their arms to the broken people from the coast.
Furthermore, we encourage you to aid the distraught if you can. During this time when nature simply broke the barriers we had, it’s essential to support and love each other, to deter crises and to remain calm for the disheartened and desperate.Otherwise, the remnants will only be a disfiguration of the society we once knew.
The Reflector offers condolences to the weakened, to the ones who lost family and friends and to the people who feel stuck down because of innumerable losses. And for the universities that truly felt the impact, we offer our sympathy, prayers and thoughts.
We can’t let this faze our work and progress, but we shouldn’t let this pass without mourning the tragedies and wiping the tears from millions of shocked faces.
Humankind has a habit of taking anything nature throws at it and rising anyway. This shouldn’t be different. This shouldn’t break the habit. This shouldn’t break us.
So join minds and hands to piece back the puzzle strewn by an unruly phenomenon.
Meanwhile, The Reflector will keep you posted about the latest developments and will do everything in its power to spread empathy and morale.
The Reflector editorial board is made up of opinion editor Jed Pressgrove, news editor Sara McAdory, assistant news editor Wade Patterson, sports editor Ross Dellenger, entertainment editor Tyler Stewart, managing editor Dustin Barnes and editor in chief Elizabeth Crisp.