a word to Rice students who haven't been in TX/LA long (thread):

Laura is barreling towards LA, predicted to make landfall as a Category 4. The storm surge will be 12-20ft; "unsurvivable."

An LA officials' briefing said winds will make communities "unrecognizable."

I understand that humor is a way to cope with fear & anxiety, especially as the storm edge approaches us

But when water recedes on our campus & our lives "return to normal"; please resist making light of the hurricane which will damage many homes and undoubtedly take many lives

Many in our Rice community (staff, faculty, students) were greatly affected by Harvey. Some even found their way here from LA after evacuating Katrina in 2005.

They have not forgotten the fear, the damage, the grief

We shouldn't either

I will never forget being glued to my laptop my senior year of high school watching Harvey rain destruction on my BTH students, their families, and my Houston friends.

I felt helpless.

I knew then I should consider coming back for college, and I put Rice on my list.

Due to COVID, students will not be able to help as we did before (mucking houses, clearing branches, serving at shelters, etc.)

Please be on the lookout for ways to donate to organizations who are truly aiding those in need or pointing people towards COVID-safe ways to help out