Tragedy struck Nepal with a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 25. Though the country of Nepal may seem like it is on the other side of the world, a large portion of our international students hail from there.
Though I am extremely saddened by how over 4,200 people have been reported dead with the number still rising, I have hopes and a new-found respect for the students of Southeastern due to their rapid response through social media on raising awareness of the issue as well as posting ways in which to help those currently residing in Nepal.
I also have to give my compliments to the Southeastern Government Association for providing links on their Facebook page asking for prayers, support and donations within 24 hours following this horrendous tragedy.
SGA’s chief of staff, Suraj Ayer, is from Nepal and has personally created a fundraising account for the relief effort that needs to take place. I am shocked as well as overwhelmed with emotion that over $1,700 had been raised in only 14 hours, $2,350 in a day and $3,600 in two days. Along with this fundraiser, students will also be collecting donations in the Student Union, Sims Memorial Library and the Pennington Student Activity Center throughout the week.
My Facebook wall also exploded with other people posting positive comments as well as ways in which Nepal can use the most help, either through donations, prayers or posts on what is currently taking place overseas.
It reminds me of a tragedy I had to experience during my senior year of high school: Hurricane Katrina.
After Katrina, people came together to help each other get through the tragedy of homes being destroyed, landmarks no longer existing, loss of life and all other aspects of a natural disaster. People of all religions and creeds worked hand in hand to help each other, and personal beliefs were set aside because moving forward rose above individual differences.
I am thankful to see the same thing taking place now. I have seen people who I know don’t have the same beliefs as one another come together helping those who are suffering. It is a blessing to see differences set aside and people working together to make a change in whatever way possible, even if it is only a small donation or silent prayer. When it comes down to it, a human life is a human life.
With a newfound faith in the student body of my university coming together in the face of tragedy that took place in Nepal on Saturday, I believe that Southeastern is ready for anything. My prayers are that we don’t have to face tragedy in the future, but rather trials of happiness. Our university has Lion Pride in one another, making me thankful I am one Lion among many.