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Editor’s Note: Jovana, a senior (and now recent graduate), wrote this opinion piece one day after the fire of May 6 displaced her and many other resident students on campus.
The occurrences of the past few days seem surreal. Much has been lost, but yet more has been gained. For the past three days the OLLU community has left all its disagreements and problems behind, joining each other in support and prayer.
We became one in a time of hardship.
As a resident of Providence Hall, I went out unprepared for what was waiting. Due to the prior events of that week, I felt sure the alarm and sirens were yet another prank. Coming out of the building and reaching the street, the look on students’ faces told me the truth. I followed their eyes and watched as the fire conquered the top of the Main Building, refusing to die.
The intensity and endurance of the fire made all of us homeless, forced to move until further notice. While some of us were praying for the fire not to spread, some were praying that their rooms didn’t burn. As the spire collapsed, so did the hearts and hopes of all Theresian residents. Some of them had run out with only their cell phones, if that.
All students joined hands in prayer as the day turned into night.
As the evening progressed, students, faculty and staff rushed onto campus, eager to help in any way. Even though people were willing to help, all students could think of was their rooms and belongings.
Our dorm rooms are our homes, our lives. From clothes to jewelry, to electronics to four years of work on a computer, all that would be lost.
All these events have brought extra pressure, especially to seniors, since most of their finals were still going to take place this week. Without a place to stay or any books, students were—and some still are—unable to catch up and finish all their work on time.
Even though some professors lost all their belongings, too—many offices were housed in the Main Building—many still insisted that students turn in work only two days after the fire.
Professors have a house to go to. Professors have clothes to put on. We didn’t even have that. Many professors have been understanding and willing to work with students.
Graduation will continue as scheduled. I can’t help but wonder how everything will play out while the loss is still so fresh in the community’s hearts and minds. |
