There is no need for elegant introduction or sentimental preface: Every one of us is deeply saddened by the disaster along the Gulf Coast and empathetic to those whose lives have been affected. So much has been said of the disaster. And much more will be said-as it should be-by friends, family, the covers of every national newspaper. We will know and discuss the disaster every day of the coming weeks and months. We will remember, and have evidence of, the disaster, for many decades.
However, now we choose to discuss the recovery.
As a community, we are making efforts to help those living on the Gulf Coast-collecting food, toiletries, even volunteers to help rebuild. However, we must also make efforts to help people on our own campus. More than 140 displaced students have joined us at Saint Louis University in the last week. We welcome new students into our classes, our dorm rooms and our campus life.
No longer are they “them”-those who have been affected by Katrina-but, rather, “us.”
For this reason, we want to avoid any talk that makes new students feel in any way separated from the general student body. Yet, we must note that these students are newA- to SLU, just as many of us were two weeks ago. However, school started two weeks ago.
We need those days at the beginning of the semester to acclimate ourselves to our new rooms, buy our books, get our schedules and school suppliesA–and, for that matter, the three-day Labor Day weekend, when we finish buying books, changing classes and decorating our new spaces. Those who’ve started late don’t have such luxury.
The students who’ve joined us this week also haven’t been introduced to WebCT, SLU e-mail system, our classes, professors or campus layout. That is where we come in.
If you are willing to accept a new roommate, e-mail [email protected]; let the Department of Residence Life know. There are still students moving to campus who need a place to live. This is one way to help.
Because not all new students have e-mail as a means of communication, there is concern that some students do not know about resources available. Tell new students in your classes about the meeting in DuBourg Hall 157, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 8. Go yourself and offer to help out.
Share your knowledge, time and other resources-but not only with those affected by the hurricane. We’re reminded to help all members of the community, new arrivals and old-timers alike.
To any students in your classes, give an invitation to your study group. Be open to help with homework. Take your classmates to lunch; get to know them, wherever they are from.
If any student has a question about WebCT, SLU e-mail or any other University resource, be helpful. If you have a car and know someone who needs school supplies, clothes or groceries, offer a ride to Target or Schnucks. Stop and give directions to students who look lost. And let the disaster on the Gulf Coast be an impetus to make new friends and appreciate the old ones.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ?_”Margaret Mead
As we make efforts to bring together our SLU community at home-when we become a thoughtful and committed group-we can then direct our energies to help New Orleans and the rest of the world.
