Nine years after Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans, another hurricane season has arrived.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Stephanie Williams, a ULM graduate, has experienced many storms.
“Some storms are small and forgettable. Others, so devastating they will be embedded in my mind forever,” Williams said.
Williams was not living in New Orleans nine years ago, when Hurricane Katrina hit her home. Williams was working as the assistant coach for the ULM women’s basketball team and the Managing Editor of the PowWow, now Hawkeye.
“Nothing you see on television, nothing you read about in the newspaper, nothing you can truly image, will surmount to impact Hurricane Katrina had the people of South Louisiana. Personally, my life was forever changed,” Williams said.
Williams said that watching the devastation was “surreal.” She described it like having a nightmare, but being unable to wake up.
“You grow up making so many memories you assume will be there forever. Katrina erased everything I ever knew growing up. I can remember watching the news as the storm approached praying that my family left, as so many families often “ride it out” here in New Orleans,” Williams said.
Williams and her family waited months to be allowed back to what was left of her childhood home and gather any personal belongings that were left.
“I took the trip back. The images that I saw bring tears to my eyes till this day. My family lived in St. Bernard Parish which was completed devastated by Katrina. The water sat for so long, it left marks on buildings,” Williams said.
Williams said that many neighborhoods had no houses left, only foundation slabs and concrete steps. Williams’ mother brought three large trash bags, and filled them with pictures.
“She sat outside of my townhouse taking them out one by. I remember her hands were shaking so bad as she tried to take baby wipes to them and salvage anything she could,” Williams said.
Williams recalled the smell of the pictures to be unpleasant, so much so that she couldn’t help save them.
“I tried to help her, but couldn’t bare the smell of the marsh mud or the pain of watching every memory fade away with every wipe. Every picture she had of me growing up, school photos, all-star team pictures, Christmas, family photos gone forever,” Williams said.
Williams said that she thought things would always be the same, until they weren’t. She and her family do not speak of it much due to the emotional toll it takes, but she believes their spirit is forever greater because of their experience.
“It takes one storm, one event, to forever change your life. Love your family and friends and never take anything for granted,” Williams said.
Williams hopes that students will learn from past mistakes and approach hurricane season intelligently.
“Although you feel safe in Northeast LA. things can happen and you have to be smart. Keep in touch with your family during the storm as cell phone/internet service may dissipate. Make sure you have batteries, flashlights, and water, as these will get you through the dark nights,” Williams said.
Williams hopes that all students will “be aware and prepared.”
Darren Rindt, a junior criminal justice major, finds the occasional day off due to severe weather nice, but would rather others not suffer.
“I’ve personally never lost anything to a hurricane, but they have been around my entire life. I think we are far enough north to not need emergency supplies. I do keep plenty of meat, charcoal and water at my house for basic survival purposes,” Rindt said.
