By Jacquie Rath
Mack, a Rockville Centre resident, returned to Tulane on Aug. 25. After an uneventful flight to Louisiana, he started to get back to the business of being a student, meeting with friends and fellow students, comparing new schedules and sharing new addresses. But there was a dark cloud over Louisiana, as Hurricane Katrina loomed offshore.
There was an eerie sense of deja vu among Tulane students as hurricane watches were upgraded to warnings. In the fall of 2004, the college had been threatened by a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. The students were evacuated, but the New Orleans area was spared a direct hit. Students were able to return to the university as soon as the storm had passed.
This year, things were different. The storm strengthened as it stalled over the gulf and quickly grew to the size of the state of Florida. It became apparent that the New Orleans area would not be spared this time. Evacuation orders were issued and, once again, the students of Tulane heeded the warnings.
On Aug. 27, Mack and 15 of his fellow students drove a five-car convoy from New Orleans to Dallas. Once there, the group planned to stay with the family of one of Mack's close friends. "We looked at the trip as an opportunity for a mini vacation," said Mack. "We never thought it would be this bad."
When the group awoke on Monday, Aug. 29, they were riveted to the television coverage detailing the aftermath of the hurricane. It was then that they began to realize the magnitude of the devastation in the area they call home nine months of the year. "We saw local landmarks completely underwater," Mack said. "I have friends who have had their houses wiped out."
The hurricane caused substantial damage to the infrastructure of Tulane. The surrounding communities, where many college employees live, were destroyed. The flooding and debris made it virtually impossible to gain access to the school. As a result, the university canceled the fall semester.
Unable to return to school, the group of displaced students remained in Dallas for three days, trying to come to terms with what had occurred. Leaving behind personal items and dreams of a great fall semester, the students returned to their homes unsure of when or if they would be together again.
"Some of my friends have enrolled in other colleges, some have taken a semester off, and others are going to spend the time in Europe," said Mack, who is currently enrolled and attending classes at Hofstra University. "When I came home, my parents encouraged me to continue my studies. They gave me a choice of going to Nassau Community or Hofstra."
"Ben was very upset about the cancellation of the semester, but we are very happy he is safe," said Ben's mother, Lisa.
According to Tulane's Web site, the school will have a spring 2006 semester. When asked if he plans to return, Mack replied, "Definitely - without a doubt. I'm looking forward to getting back."
Comments about this story? JRath@liherald.com. or Call Jacquie Rath at (516) 569-4000 ext. 285.
