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More than Just a City's Tragedy
By Carly Blustein, 12th grade
October 25, 2005
The ancient Greeks defined the concept of tragedy in these words: "A great man has a great fall." What, then, would you call the fall of an entire city? Surely this would transcend the fall of merely an individual. I can think of no other word but a catastrophe.
Hurricane Katrina pummeled New Orleans, devastating homes, buildings, landmarks, and people's lives almost a month ago. The effects are still blatantly evident every time I turn on the television or pick up a newspaper. A little reminder seemingly rests in every corner of the world, whether it'd be a Red Cross change cup in a public facility or a school-based fundraising activity. Though this catastrophe occurred in a small portion of the United States, an entire nation is recovering. This is exactly why we're deemed The United States of America. The very first word in our title denotes the fact that we will bond as a huge family to overcome any catastrophe, whether it'd be the mark of terrorists as on September 11, 2001, or the rage of nature as with a hurricane presently.
 I was truly in awe when I saw the many efforts that everyone was making around my community alone. In Central Florida where I live, we have welcomed dozens of faculty members and students into my school to give them a sense of belonging once again. My school has also held many sporting events this past month where all of the proceeds have gone to the Hurricane Katrina victims. I work at Domino's Pizza, where many of my fellow employees contributed significant portions of their paychecks to assist with the relief efforts. Many of the customers gave to the Red Cross change cup on the front counter. Every time I see a customer contribute to our change cup, I have to smile because I realize that that individual will make a difference somehow and will further support the value of what it means to live in the United States.
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