Recent weeks have seen students in Asheville, North Carolina, facing challenges due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The storm left a massive tree leaning on a student's house, disrupting schooling for students of all ages across western North Carolina. High school seniors, in particular, are navigating important life decisions amidst the chaos, including applying to colleges and making memories for their last year in high school.
Some families evacuated, enrolling temporarily in schools elsewhere, while students faced difficulties with internet, cell service, and transportation for completing college applications. The Asheville City Schools system is set to reopen with shortened days, exploring alternative solutions for water supply as the city's system is repaired. Buncombe County Schools are also scheduled to resume, but uncertainty remains for students like Cohen, who had planned to graduate early.
Seniors like Schantz faced challenges with college applications due to the storm's impact, with some finding refuge in libraries with Wi-Fi to meet deadlines. Despite school closures, in-person sessions were held to assist students with the admissions process. Some students, like Garry, faced setbacks with standardized testing due to the storm.
For seniors who have already endured the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the storm added to their struggles. Barton expressed feelings of survivor's guilt and stress over college admissions, noting the disruption to her recruiting trip. However, some students found silver linings in volunteering and considering new career paths post-graduation.
As students like Flaherty reflect on the impact of the storm on their senior year, they acknowledge the challenges ahead. Despite the uncertainties, they find hope in the resilience of their community and the potential for personal growth amidst adversity.
