University of Virginia, New Orleans Journals

Friday, January 13, 2006

Kelley Mulfinger, College of Arts & Sciences

"How can I turn away Brother/Sister go dancing through my head Human as to human The future is no place To place your better days"

As Dave Matthews best put it, something NEEDS to be done

NOW to help the people of New Orleans.

As I stood at Mass today within a crowd of students and their

families who had lost basically everything, I was in awe of their

collective hope and love for one another. The people gathered

had all been affected by Hurricane Katrina in different ways,

but together their strength surpassed the strongest winds and

flood waters. Students from rival high schools sang together in

harmony as they attempt to rebuild their lives within their newly

combined school.

What impressed me most was the 8th grade boy standing next

to me. When the Mass began, the priest asked everyone to turn

to someone next to them and say "I am blessed". Instead of

turning to his friend, this young man turned to me and said, "I

am blessed," with such conviction and hope. He believes in his

city, his family and his own potential.

Honestly, it’s the people that matter the most. While the physical

damage to certain areas is overwhelming, there is a huge need

for continued human support. Just spending time, listening to a

story, is what I’ve learned that the most devastated people need

most.

So, how can you turn away Original URL:

http://www.virginia.edu/topnews/releases2006/NewOrleansJourn

al17.html