It was a great privilege today to visit St. Charles School, which is a K-8 private, Catholic school greatly affected by Superstorm Sandy. A number of us from Wagner College spoke to students about their experiences during the storm and how their families coped with the stress of seeing many of their homes inundated by flood waters. The students, who ranged from grade 4 to grade 8, spoke powerfully and honestly about what they went through. Many stayed in their homes until they absolutely had to evacuate because of the overwhelming tide. Others were able to stay in their homes, despite losing power for many days. Interestingly, the students seemed to learn new ways to amuse themselves that did not depend on the availability of electricity. Board games and simple conversation took on new importance for many of these kids.
But they also spoke forthrightly and bravely about people who were lost to the storm and about their own fears that their families could not possibly compete with mother nature. They witnessed the power of the water and gained new respect for its unyielding force.
These children, ages 9 to 13, seemed to be learning how unforgiving nature could be and how important it was to be cautious when danger threatened. Most important, we heard many of them speak of their own good fortune and how proud they were of their Staten Island neighbors who seemed to come together in a crisis to help one another. They spoke of a sense of community, of people coming to one another's aid, in part because they had no other choice, and, in part, because it was, without question, the right thing to do.
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