Hurricane Dorian plummeted many parts of the Bahamas, ripping through homes and leaving roads flooded.
Maddie Kennedy is a freshman at Quinnipiac University and is having trouble focusing knowing that so many people from her homeland are suffering.
“This is not anything the islands really faced before,” said Kennedy. “It’s shocking to see photos because usually I’m home for event’s like this.”
Even before Hurricane Dorian touched down in the Bahamas, there was a lot of uncertainty for the film and television student.
“It was hard for me especially not knowing what was going on or knowing whether or not the house would flood,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy grew up on the Grand Bahama Island and her father survived the massive flooding and strong winds brought by the Category 5 storm.
“My father said he was quite scared during the storm,” said Kennedy. “The shutters actually ripped off and one point he had to go outside to try and repair them so the window wouldn’t break.”
Kennedy’s home received minor damages, but it was a different story for one of her friends.
“One of my friends’ homes was almost destroyed,” said Kennedy. “They have to re-do all of the ceilings and the roof caved in and a lot of people are going through that right now,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy believes the strong sense of community is what Kennedy says is going to help those still reeling from Dorian.
“Everybody helps each other out regardless of the situation,” said Kennedy. “At this point, I know a lot of people are really working hard on the island.”
Kennedy is constantly repeating the mantra “Bahama Strong” to help her get through each day and is making plans to return during her Christmas Break to help with recovery efforts.
