The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Staying Louisiana strong after historical flooding and disaster

    Megan McCormick-Staff Headshot

    I am going to begin by saying these two simple words, Louisiana rocks.

    Our country, particularly our state, has been filled with negativity and animosity recently. This had been brought on by many different disagreements centering around racism and respect for authority.

    But even with the tension in the air, Louisiana put all that aside as flood waters came rushing in overtaking many homes in South Louisiana. 

    The flood waters may have destroyed families’ homes, prized possessions and may have taken lives. However, this natural disaster did not destroy our love for one another and for our great state. In my opinion, this past week has brought us together.

    Immediately following the flood, a sheer shock of terror swept through the area. This didn’t stay long though. People joined together in prayer. People joined together to help others evacuate. People joined together to feed and to clothe the affected. People joined together, and for that simple fact, I could not have been more humble and proud to call myself a Louisianian.

    And let’s not forget about the many organizations, churches and local civilians who joined together.

    Locally, in the Hammond area, The Mission Church volunteered to help others; First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula served as a distribution center for cleaning supplies; St. Albert’s gave away necessities such as clothing, blankets, shoes, toiletries and snacks and the Baptist Associations of Southeast Louisiana brought a crew to gut sheetrock and spray for mold.

    Aside from churches, campus organizations also helped fellow peers. Student Government Association put together three volunteering events for any student who wanted to be a part of the repairing. Our baseball team was scattered throughout the city and surrounding areas helping clean out houses and yards. Other sporting teams including basketball, soccer and volleyball gave up their time to volunteer as well. Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity helped a fellow brother, Austin Rogers, whose house was filled with water. And many others, including but not limited to, Catholic Student Association and Phi Mu sorority also helped where needed.

    Even the areas not directly affected did their good deed to donate. I am from Houma and even though interstates were blocked, my community found a way. We loaded 18-wheeler trucks with boxes of clothes, hygienic products and snacks to send.

    Humbling enough, we had gotten word that too much was being donated and many places were running out of space to house all of the items.

    And lastly, let’s not forget about the Cajun Navy who loaded their boats to help evacuate and clear out areas where the water was high.

    Many feel our state has been cheapened of recognition since we weren’t given our praise on social media. Louisiana is the best because we don’t need the status updates applauding us for our good deeds. We help out of the goodness in our hearts and because it’s just the southern thing to do.

    So it is very evident, “come hell or high water, we are Louisiana strong” and will always be.

     
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