Friday, January 13, 2006
 Kelley Mulfinger, College of Arts & Sciences
“How can I turn away?
Brother/Sister go dancing through my head
Human as to human
The future is no place
To place your better days”
As Dave Matthews best put it, something NEEDS to be done NOW to help the people of New Orleans.
As I stood at Mass today within a crowd of students and their families who had lost basically everything, I was in awe of their collective hope and love for one another. The people gathered had all been affected by Hurricane Katrina in different ways, but together their strength surpassed the strongest winds and flood waters. Students from rival high schools sang together in harmony as they attempt to rebuild their lives within their newly combined school.
What impressed me most was the 8th grade boy standing next to me. When the Mass began, the priest asked everyone to turn to someone next to them and say “I am blessed”. Instead of turning to his friend, this young man turned to me and said, “I am blessed,” with such conviction and hope. He believes in his city, his family and his own potential.
Honestly, it’s the people that matter the most. While the physical damage to certain areas is overwhelming, there is a huge need for continued human support. Just spending time, listening to a story, is what I’ve learned that the most devastated people need most.
So, how can you turn away? | 
