A preliminary student impact survey administered by Kauaʻi Community College shows Hurricane Lowell affected the ability for 80% of students to participate in classes or complete coursework.
Many are struggling to prioritize education while addressing basic needs, home damage, caregiving, emotional exhaustion, utility disruptions and financial strain.
Second-year nursing student and single mother Stephanie Cram spent a week without electricity while her daughter’s daycare was closed.
“For me, the biggest challenge was adapting to continuing my education while not having power for a whole week,” Cram said. “We had an exam scheduled for the Monday of the week we returned back to school, and I had no way to study, and my daughter’s daycare closed because they didn’t have power.”
She said navigating through having fewer resources, such as not having a refrigerator and worrying about school, caused her to have a lot of stress and anxiety.
Classmate Kelsea Carrasco went 9 days without power in Hanalei. Cram brought her a generator, gas, water and Starlink internet.
“It was a big deal for us to have somebody that I’ve only known for a few months reach out and be so generous,” Carrasco said. “The most amazing thing that came out of it was the community aspect. Our neighbors checked on us every day and brought water, food and ice.”
Kauaʻi Community College hosted a hurricane recovery event Wednesday to support students, faculty and staff impacted by the hurricane.
Dominos Pizza donated 50 pizzas for attendees, who connected with campus and community resources, including Kauaʻi United Way and Catholic Charities.
Students also received assistance applying for emergency aid, connected with mental health counselors from Kapiʻolani Community College and Honolulu Community College, both on Oʻahu, and had an opportunity to visit the college’s new sensory room.
Kauaʻi Community College Chancellor Margaret Sanchez said Wednesday’s recovery event was designed to provide immediate support while the college continues gathering information about the storm’s impact on students.
“Instructors have been very flexible in supporting our students academically, but we’re also supporting our students with their basic needs and meeting them where they are,” Sanchez said. “We’re really lucky that we have our Hale Mālama program on our campus, which provides students with wraparound services, mental health counseling and a campus food and goods pantry.”
Kauaʻi Community College provided students with a hot lunch on the first day back on campus as well as during the recovery resource event.
Additional hot meals are being planned, and staff and faculty are assisting maintenance crews with continued Hurricane Lowell recovery efforts on campus.
The college also has a new online resource guide for students, faculty, staff and the community, which is being updated regularly.
Community members and the public can help as well. Donate at the college website to support impacted students.
