Maeson Wagner, Executive Editor
@mwagnercourant
Where Tulane freshmen used to celebrate New Orleans festivals with streamers and balloons, one now sees flooded dorm buildings, tarps, and other effects of Hurricane Ida.
As Hurricane Ida approached Louisiana, Tulane University students were forced to evacuate after less than a week of being on campus. As of September 14, Tulane plans on returning to in-person classes on October 6.
Hurricanes are not out of the ordinary for Louisiana, so when students heard there was a hurricane approaching, they didn’t think much of it. “When the students heard Ida was approaching, about half of us evacuated and half of us stayed. People were saying that if you stayed it would be a lot of fun since classes were cancelled due to the weather.” Madison Grenauer, Tulane freshman and NCHS alum, said.
With Hurricane Ida looming parents of students became worried and took matters into their own hands. Tulane student Kyle Dove said, “My parents told me I had a flight in 3 hours while I was in class, so I ran to my dorm, grabbed my bag, got to my Uber, and made my flight.”
Other parents flew down to New Orleans themselves, “My mom was freaking out about the hurricane so she flew to Louisiana to get me.” Madison said.
Students who decided to stay in New Orleans were soon evacuated as well. “Students who didn’t leave prior to the hurricane were evacuated on Tuesday morning, August 31. We were moved onto buses and driven to Houston where we stayed in a hotel until we were able to get home. Most people had their flights scheduled out of Houston for the next day, Wednesday.” Tulane student Jack Seybert said.
Tulane has some experience with hurricane evacuations, for example, in 2005 students cleared New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina. Tulane student Jack Seybert said, “Tulane was ready for any possible situation that could have occurred during the hurricane, it was handled excellently.” However, there were some factors of the evacuation Tulane failed to consider, “My only concern was that the RAs were allowed to evacuate even if there were people still living in the building. We really got away with anything the nights they were gone, but for the sake of the residents, I did not think it was the best move allowing the RAs to evacuate on their own.” Seybert said.
Once returning home, Tulane students returned to the virtual learning they have endured the past two years due to COVID. Reema Krishniah said, “I had some second thoughts about Tulane when we went online because I wanted the whole college experience after experiencing junior and senior year of high school with so many restrictions. Hopefully we can go back in person soon.”
Students say going online has impacted their mental health significantly. “This whole experience has taken a mental and emotional toll on me. All over social media I see my friends meeting new people at college and having fun while I’m stuck in my bedroom doing online school.” Madison Grenauer said.
In a time of virtual learning, it is crucial for teachers to be accessible. Jack Seybert said, “The TAs and professors have all been very understanding about the situation. While classes have been cancelled up until the 13th, they have pushed back due dates for assignments to allow for the best effort to be given once students are situated at home.” Jack Seybert said.
