Treasures Behind the Calamity - Essay Example

Hurricane Sandy could be one of the worst natural calamities to have hit New York and New Jersey yet it could be considered the strongest eye-opener to issues surrounding affected areas. The storm took the people by surprise with its strong rains and wind, causing alarming floods, power outages as well as damage to life and property. Once again, the nation went through hardships as people were in danger in the midst of the storm. The floods and power outages caused business establishments to close for a number of days. People were evacuated from the most affected areas. Moreover, transportation became difficult so evacuation became difficult. Work and classes were also canceled as a result of all the circumstances happening in the areas.

When the storm hit New Jersey, I consider it lucky for me to have been away on vacation. I may not have felt the direct effects of the storm as it hit the city nevertheless the information about what happened on that dreadful day has shaken me so strongly. Looking at all the deaths and the widespread effects of the storm on television, I thought about how things would have been for me if I were in New Jersey during that time. The event made me think about how life could be lost in such an unexpected circumstance at an unexpected time and place. Who could have thought that the two cities could be so largely affected by the storm? New York, most especially, is considered a strong city where one can find security, and yet it was not spared by a calamity that has proven to be destructive to the place it hits regardless of that place’s reputation and status. Indeed, this world offers no secure security. The money, job, and other things found in the cities of New York and New Jersey that people consider to give assurance for their future have been affected by the storm as well.

Upon my return to New Jersey, I observed that the effects of the storm were still felt by many. People were struggling to get back on their feet. Those who have lost their homes and family members were all trying to be strong to cope with the physical, emotional, and psychological disaster the storm caused. There was still debris scattered in the city which is just a reflection of how great the damages have been the days before my arrival. I could just imagine what difficulties the people have been through during the past few days. The city that was once beautiful looked so devastated that I began to think how vulnerable everything and everyone is to such destruction. The sight brought tears to my eyes knowing that people indeed have been through a lot of difficulties as they tried to clean up the city and fix everything to get the place back in order.

Looking back at the events during the hurricane, I cannot help but think about the victims who suffered a lot. However, in the midst of the hardships, the spirit of unity once again arose among the American people. The president was shown on television giving support to the victims not only verbally but also in terms of physical help such as sending necessities to the cities. Moreover, people helped each other in order to overcome the difficulties they are going through. This struck me so strongly that it really made me appreciate our being humans when it comes to circumstances such as this. Political enemies may have heated arguments during ordinary days however, when such calamity occurs, political, religious, or cultural beliefs find no strength in stopping the people to be united in helping each other to rise again. Such events make me think and consider what I should do as an individual to partake in such acts of kindness that may affect other people in ways I can just imagine. In this world that is full of troubles and threats, any help is necessary to make our place livable. Just like New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy, the place has become physically bad for living. However, the efforts of people helping each other to bring the glory of the place back, made the challenges easier for most of the affected families and individuals.

In life, whether collectively or individually, there are always lessons that we learn from difficulties. Perhaps, most of the great lessons learned actually are taken from difficult situations. In the case of Hurricane Sandy, people in New Jersey have been reassured that there are still people who would support each other when difficulties arise. In our modern world where people seem not to mind others, minding their own business and becoming very busy with their everyday lives, people could seem to be disconnected. Nevertheless, it took a storm to reassure us once again that we are still people who need other people. Once again, the old adage that says, “No man is an island” has been proven to be true. Today, New Jersey is back on its feet. People are living their normal lives once again but hopefully, the values shown during super storm Sandy will remain in their hearts and minds so that it should not take another calamity to remind us again of our humanity.