Asheville Students Navigate Academic Challenges Following Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

Asheville Braces for Normalcy After Hurricane Helene’s Impact

Asheville, North Carolina, is slowly lifting itself from the debris of Hurricane Helene, which unexpectedly plunged thousands of students into a whirlpool of uncertainty. On a recent Friday, four seniors from Asheville High School, including Ari Cohen, found joy in the simplicity of Uno card games amid the chaotic aftermath in a playful gathering at Cohen’s home. With a giant tree looming dangerously close to his house, their spirits stayed high while their opportunities for classroom learning felt miles away.

Weeks of missed classes have led to a mix of creativity and camaraderie for students, all eager to connect with one another as the region grapples with the storm’s aftermath. Nathaniel Durham, one of Ari’s friends, shared, “We’ve been hanging out pretty much every single day. We haven’t gotten sick of each other yet though.”

The Schooling Struggle

The storm, which wreaked havoc on September 27, disrupted educational activities across western North Carolina. High school seniors like Cohen, who are accustomed to focusing on their futures, now have the additional weight of uncertainties caused by the hurricane. The storm’s destruction has meant many families have been displaced, making it difficult for students to concentrate on applying to colleges and solidifying plans for life after graduation.

According to local reports, six western North Carolina school districts remain closed, creating a palpable tension for students who are eager to resume their studies. Fortunately, Asheville City Schools announced that they would reopen soon but with shortened, four-hour days to accommodate ongoing repairs in the community. The newly focused strategy includes drilling wells and bringing in restroom trailers as the water system faces extreme challenges.

While many schools are coming back, students like Cohen are left pondering their academic futures amidst ongoing changes and chaos. Cohen had planned to graduate early, aligned with a hip surgery scheduled for December, but the timeline may be shifting as he navigates new educational landscapes.

College Applications and New Realities

For Max Schantz, a senior at the School of Inquiry & Life Sciences at Asheville, the hurricane hurled a significant obstacle in his path. After Helene struck, he faced the pressing deadline of a college scholarship application, only to find himself disconnected due to the storm’s impact on technology services. Schantz made the trek to a library in hopes of accessing the Wi-Fi, alongside several other students in similar predicaments.

A stroke of luck arrived when he received notice that the deadline for his application had been extended. He cleverly included how the hurricane influenced Asheville in his essay, an idea that initially left him pondering whether admissions officers would find it relevant. “It was really difficult because I didn’t know if a college admissions officer would want to hear that or not,” Schantz remarked.

Even with school closures, Asheville City Schools, along with Buncombe County Schools, organized in-person sessions to guide students through college applications, offering crucial assistance in writing essays, completing financial aid forms, and navigating the Common App. For Abe Garry, one of Cohen’s friends, this support came as a welcome relief amidst concerns about obtaining teacher recommendations and retaking the SAT.

Surviving the Storm

As students share tales of resilience and struggle, Caroline Barton, a senior at Carolina Day School, feels the weight of survivor’s guilt, since her home remained intact while many peers faced destruction. Teachers have opened discussions that allow students to express their feelings, something Barton finds therapeutic. “Our backyard is somewhat OK. We have cars that work,” Barton reflected. “But I’m definitely not OK.”

A Silver Lining?

While many are struggling, Nathan Flaherty shared a silver lining amidst the chaos. What initially felt like a checkbox for college applications transformed into a genuine commitment to aiding their community through volunteering. He sees the unity and collaboration among peers as a hopeful glimmer in a dark time. Additionally, he’s begun to rethink his career goals, now considering a unique blend of flying and emergency management.

Schantz continues to reflect on how the whirlwind of emotions and disruptions can be overwhelming. “It was just a really fun time before, and I don’t know if it will ever get back to that level of just enjoyment,” he stated, hinting at the longing for simpler days.

Looking Ahead

As Asheville slowly stitches itself back together, students are coming to terms with the reality of their distanced learning experience, fuelled by the havoc of Helene. The community’s resilience shines through the struggles, as students bond over shared stories while hoping for brighter days ahead.