Asheville Students and Community Unite in Resilience Following Hurricane Helene

Asheville, North Carolina: Resilience During Recovery After Hurricane Helene

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Asheville, North Carolina, is facing a challenging yet inspiring time as its community members come together to support one another. The aftermath of the storm has left many households damaged, but it has also sparked a wave of volunteerism and unity among locals.

High school seniors in particular have found themselves navigating an unusual year. Whether they are gathered in living rooms surrounded by supplies or actively volunteering, these young adults are showcasing that even amidst chaos, their spirit remains strong. For instance, senior Nathan Flaherty has stepped up to volunteer at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, where he is busy packing hygiene kits for those in need. “It feels good to help,” he said while organizing supplies, a task that has become his daily routine.

Communities Coming Together

On October 16th, Flaherty took a moment to reflect on the seriousness of the situation while assisting with the packing efforts. In addition to hygiene kits, boxes of food items lined the auditorium, indicating the high demand for assistance following the storm’s devastation.

Meanwhile, across town, Ari Cohen, another senior, was utilizing the time off from school in a different way. Cohousing with friends, Cohen found joy in a simple game of UNO while stacks of bottled water and cans filled his living room. “We’ve been hanging out pretty much every single day,” commented his friend, Nathaniel Durham. While students have struggled to stay connected with online classes due to road damage and service outages, they have discovered creative ways to cope with their new reality.

Education Interrupted

The impact of Hurricane Helene has disrupted education for students across western North Carolina. Schools were forced to close for weeks, leaving seniors like Cohen in a precarious position as college application deadlines loom. Despite these challenges, the Asheville City Schools are set to reopen, albeit with shorter days, hoping to slowly restore some sense of normalcy.

Superintendent Maggie Fehrman mentioned that the administration aims to adapt to the current needs by exploring alternative solutions like portable restrooms, which reflects the community’s determination to support its students. Even as they head back to school, uncertainty lingers. Cohen, for instance, faces the daunting question of whether his plans to graduate early will remain intact.

College Applications Amid Chaos

Many seniors have found themselves grappling with the pressure of college applications. Senior Max Schantz rushed to finish his scholarship essays after the hurricane left him without internet for days. He eventually sought Wi-Fi at a library, joining many others in the same predicament. “It was stressful, but I was relieved to find out the deadline was extended,” he recalled.

Moreover, he decided to reflect on the hurricane’s impact in his college essays, a topic that weighed significantly on his mind. Likewise, his friend, Abe Garry, faced setbacks with his SAT retake date being canceled. “It’s frustrating to think that a single day could determine my future,” he expressed.

Finding a New Normal

For many of the students who have already navigated the isolation caused by the pandemic, adapting to another disruption has been challenging. Caroline Barton, a fellow senior, is struggling with what she describes as “survivor’s guilt” as her home remained largely unscathed. Reflecting on the shifts in her senior year experience, she shared, “I don’t know if anyone truly knows how to process this. It’s been a mix of emotions,” she said.

The hurricane came at a tumultuous time, and students are still mourning the loss of their typical school experience. With plans for recruiting trips and college visits being canceled, students are left to realign their goals amid the uncertainty.

A Community of Hope

Amidst these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Flaherty has come to view volunteering not just as a requirement, but as a meaningful part of his life. “I may have started with the mindset of needing hours for college, but now it’s something I genuinely enjoy,” he said. His aspirations of becoming a pilot may now include a focus on emergency management, influenced by the recent disaster.

The unfolding events have demonstrated the resilience of Asheville’s students, community members, and local institutions as they work together to overcome the obstacles posed by Hurricane Helene. As life starts to resemble normalcy once again, it holds a promise of growth and unity for everyone involved.