'Hurri-Kean' Experience

What happened...

Saturday October the 27th:

Whereas Kean University staff asked to students to come back home, you can obviously imagine that this was not possible for international students. So we stayed on campus with some American students who could not go back home as well.

Sunday October the 28th:

5pm - Dring… Dring…! We had to pack all our stuff for two or three days (clothes, blanket, pillow etc) and we were evacuated to one building with a generator.

Now the adventure begins…

I had to say that I was a bit worried by Sandy. We are not used to that kind of storm in France and the last strong one we had was in 1999. Even though, I had a good presentiment and was optimistic about this experience. The 'refugee camp's' atmosphere (nickname given to the bedroom) reminded me summer camps when I was a teenager. I felt in a safe place with my friends and a really nice staff.

We lost power on Monday night but then different activities were organized: cards, pumpkin painting and cookies decoration. Thanks to the generator, we still had a few lights and we could have hot meals! The staff even organized two karaoke nights and invited us to the movie theatre the following Sunday.

They did all their best to entertain us and it worked!

What I did...

No power means no TV, no phone (no service), no computer etc. So basically, the only thing you can do is waiting for the power to come back! I could have stayed in the room, sleeping, but instead I preferred socialize with people, playing cards with them, talking about all and nothing! Now I’ve met new friends.

What I learnt...

The refugee camp’s experience ended one week later when power came back. In the beginning, I felt a bit sad because after spending 24/7 of my time with people I appreciate, it’s difficult to come back to reality. But at least it was a great experience for me! We were very lucky and had no reason to complain.

This experience has taught me that when an unpleasant situation happens, you can find ways to live it better! Take the best of it !

Who I want to thank...

November is the month of thanks, this is why I would like to thank Kean staff who really took care of all of us during this week. They were always here when needed and they spent their time with us instead of being with their own families. You made me enjoy my 'hurri-Kean' experience!