As we start to re-build our lives after the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Florence, I cannot begin to try and explain the emotional heaviness that was felt. Every social media post, news report, and weather alert- sent my emotions in a frenzy. And from what I could see from others, they felt this wave of emotion as well. News reporters accused of falsifying coverage, Citizens outraged because there were not enough resources to sustain life.
I couldn’t help but think, however, how fortunate I was to have these various outlets- News Reports, Facebook groups posting closings and routes to get to-and-from Wilmington. Even if I didn’t want to face the reality of the information I was reading, I was fortunate any information could be relayed at all, especially since I was evacuated and had virtually no idea what the picture of our beautiful city would look like, except for the one I painted in my mind.
Once I began to appreciate the transparency of these outlets that provided continuous updates, I could only be thankful. Thankful that the people providing these updates, most being citizens of Wilmington or surrounding areas, took time out of dealing with their own personal losses, to update us.
These updates placed our needs first. It was a shining example of crisis management and leadership. You don’t have to be responsible for a problem to find a solution. But you do have to acknowledge it’s existence. This community has turned this crisis into positive change. From benefit concerts raising $1.5 Million dollars for storm victims, to small business owners establishing #OverFlo which includes small businesses running monthly specials for part of the proceeds to go to area non-profits serving the community. These are a few of the reasons I am proud to be #ilmstrong.
-Kelsey Holmes
IMC Hawks Blog 
Amongst many tragic events that occurred throughout our nation, whether its a mass shootings, devestating weather patterns, and fire infernos in the west coast, I noticed how communities come together to support, fund, and help the citizens that are in dire need. As I came back to Wilmington from being evacuated, I saw many neighbors and close friends that lost their homes and belongings. Without hesitation, I began to volunteer willingly to help and assist people that needed help. And doing so, I began to have conversations with them and got to know these people which was a good feeling knowing that I took action in helping others. I feel like many people across the nation can relate, by giving a helping hand to those that need it the most and we all come together as one to help restore and re-build our communities.
I greatly enjoyed reading this post. As a UNCW student, this was easy to relate to. What an experience this hurricane was, but what strong knowledge comes from an experience like this. My next door neighbor lost their house through tree damage. A majority of our street came together to support them in their time of need. It is amazing to see how such a tragedy can bring so many people together.
What a great post! As you discussed, it’s amazing to see how communities come together in times like these, putting others above their own losses. We are very fortunate to live in a community that I feel comes together so often, not only in disasters but for almost anything. Wilmington is unique in that sense. Wilmington people are family and it shows the most in times like these. Proud to be #ILMSTRONG