The return to classes following Hurricane Helene has brought uncertainty for many students, including Cohen, who had planned to graduate early but is unsure if his timeline will change due to the impact of the storm. Schantz, a senior at the School of Inquiry & Life Sciences at Asheville, faced difficulties with a college scholarship application due right after the hurricane hit. Despite the challenges, the deadline was eventually extended, giving Schantz some relief. He decided to include the hurricane’s impact on his community in his application, which was a tough decision to make.
Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools held in-person sessions in October to assist students with the college admissions process, including help with essays, financial aid forms, and using the Common App. Garry, a friend of Cohen, received assistance at one of these sessions, as he was concerned about getting teacher recommendations in time for his applications. Some setbacks, such as the cancellation of a SAT retake due to the hurricane, have added to the stress for students like Garry, who feel that the extra score could have been beneficial.
The disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene have compounded the challenges faced by seniors who already navigated the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as they transitioned into high school. Barton, a student at Carolina Day School, expressed that things haven’t been the same since the pandemic, and Helene has further disrupted their senior year experience. Despite not suffering direct losses, Barton struggles with survivor’s guilt and acknowledges that she is not okay amid the chaos and uncertainty.
While some seniors, like Flaherty from Asheville High School, have found silver linings in the wake of the hurricane, such as increased community volunteering and a potential shift in career plans towards emergency management, others, like Barton, continue to feel the stress of college admissions deadlines looming. The added layer of unpredictability brought about by the hurricane has made it a particularly challenging time for seniors, who are grappling with the loss of a month of their senior year and trying to adjust to a new reality, both academically and emotionally.
Some students, like Flaherty, have found solace in the resilience and unity displayed by their communities in response to the hurricane’s impact. Flaherty acknowledges the transformative power of coming together to support one another and has found renewed purpose in volunteering. Meanwhile, Schantz is preparing himself mentally for returning to Asheville after being away and confronting a changed senior year experience. Despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, students are finding strength in their resilience and the support of their communities as they navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
