Columbia Student Katrina Relief Team Reports on their Spring Break Experiences in Waveland, Mississippi
While thousands of college students were sunning and slacking on spring break, 28 Columbia College Chicago students caravanned to Waveland, Mississippi to assist in the continuing relief efforts.
Senior film and video student Holly DeRuyter conceived the idea and worked with Community Collaborations International to set up the grass-roots relief effort. She worked with staff in Columbia’s Student Affairs division recruiting students and arranging the trip.
Holly and fellow documentary student Erika Valenciana filmed the entire experience.
You are invited to the documentary DVD and listen to students’ stories of human connection and the importance of civic engagement.
“This experience has made me realize that the things we go through in our day to day lives mean nothing compared to what some people go through. Before complain about anything, I stop and think about the strong, brave, unexplainable people I met down in Waveland and knowing what they went though, makes whatever problem I am about to complain about worthless. I say to myself, ‘so what if I am a bit cold right now, I am lucky enough to at least know that I will be in a warm apartment soon.’ I know there are people who have to sleep in tents and have to live in devastation for a long, long time. How can any of our problems even compare to their problems?” – Steve Mura, Music Business Management major
This experience changed my life tremendously. Today it’s hard for me to take anything for granted. I used to complain about ‘everything,’ when I really don't have anything to complain about. When I met the locals who pretty much lost everything (including family members) they seemed so humble. I'm sure they endure their moments but they brighten my days there and days to come. They thanked me for helping them, but it’s really me who owes them the thanks for helping me.” – Omega Stewart, Television major
“I saw first-hand that the media doesn't portray everything. We had never heard of Waveland before going down there, but we soon learned it was called Ground Zero for the storm. Katrina may be out of the news now, but that doesn't mean her impact is over. The trip also made the disaster more personal because of all the hopeful people I met.” – Emily Rehm, Music Business Major
“The greatest joy in life is truly helping others that are desperately in need. I have never felt more satisfied as I did after returning to Chicago. I will never watch from the sidelines again, I will get involved.” – Alan Baker, Broadcast Journalism major