For Haitians around the world, Jan. 12, 2010 will be a day that they will remember and relive for the rest of their lives. This was the day an earthquake with the strength of 7.0 on the Richter scale devastated that small island nation which was desperately in need of help before the catastrophe.
Immediately, help poured in from around the world and no one could imagine that the death toll would be so great. Medical and emergency personnel did what they could do in the situation and continue to struggle today with the minimum amount of supplies that they have.
Students from around the country were studying abroad, doing mission work or visiting family when the earthquake hit.
This particular issue of The Minaret focused on University of Tampa student and star athlete recount the time he heard the news that some of his family members were killed by the quake.
One of our rival institutions, Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla. had 12 students and two professors in Haiti and many of them were trapped when the earthquake hit. So far eight students have returned home. Four students and both professors are still missing.
UT students immediately took action and began collecting supplies to ship over to Haiti. P.E.A.C.E put their original plans on hold to focus on the support needed in Haiti. Several other students have also answered the call for service.
Everywhere students go, they can be reminded of the event. Perhaps their roommate is from Haiti of they know someone that knows someone that worked in Haiti.
When something like this happens on such a large scale we are all affected in one way or another.
How can we do more to help? Perhaps students can offer more that they have. Perhaps students could sacrifice one beverage that they would usually have on a Thursday night and contribute it to Haiti relief in some way. Maybe students can find volunteer opportunities to help the people of Haiti. Maybe we can help our Haitian friends here and give them support.
The bottom line is that we will all be in need at some point in our life.
How we choose to use our time and the resources that we are blessed with is ultimately up to us.
Universities around the country are banding together for their fellow citizens of the world. Let’s do the same. Don’t just think about Haiti. Find something that can help the relief their. Go to the P.E.A.C.E office and see how you can help.
UT students need to show that they can stand up for something. Many times we have fallen apathetic to things but there are a select few who know what’s going on and have a genuine platform to stand on, while others just walk around them and focus on the next night’s adventure. It’s time to wake up and see that world is in need.
If supporting Haiti sounds too tough, start by supporting our family, our friends and our roommates. Haiti needs our help but so could the people right next to us. Start supporting those in need because there will be a day where we will need that helping hand.
