Hurricanes are destructive storms that have devastating impacts, and this country has sadly seen some of their horrible effects. But some people are more accustomed to the hurricanes, because they’ve lived in areas where hurricane forces are expected. They have a better understanding of where to go, what to have, and what to do in preparation for a hurricane - I’m not one of those people. I’m from Texas. Yes, the Gulf of Mexico is right there. But no, I’ve never experienced a hurricane or any sort of hurricane preparation because my city is too inland to be reached with the heavy damaging aspects that these storms bring. There's one storm that I can definitely prepare for and that's a tornado. I can prepare like a boss for a tornado because I’ve experienced a tornados path more than once. So I know how to tough it out during tornado time. But hurricanes are a different type of storm that I’ve never encountered. I’m hoping that the mental and physical preparation is a little similar, but I'm still freaking out on the inside.

I’m attending college in Maryland now, and I'm starting to live the East Coast life. That life includes being prepared during hurricane season. Of course I see the devastating hurricanes shown on the news whenever one strikes the United States, but they’ve never been a great concern of mine. They’ve NEVER been a great concern of mine. Until now. Previously, I've only been concerned for the other lives at stake, but never the thought of my own being, in some sort of danger. The East Coast has been anticipating the arrival of Hurricane Joaquin, and I’m getting quite nervous. I made my first ever hurricane preparation kit, and I hope that I won’t be needing it. Even if Joaquin doesn't make direct landfall, we're expected to experience a lot of wind and rain. So here are a few of the thoughts that I've had during this hurricane preparation, explained through Chris Pratt reactions.

1. Initially hearing that a hurricane might be headed our way.

2. When my roommate tells me that she's been through multiple hurricanes.

3. After being told to start preparing for the storm.

4. Learning that the hurricane might not hit Maryland.

5. Then being told that it actually might, so I need to keep preparing.

5. When my friends from back home text me about how I'm doing.

Needless to say, the Hurricane Joaquin situation has been one of the most frightening situations that I've dealt with in a while. But I'm thankfully going through it with the support of the wonderful people around me. If anyone is ever having similar feelings to the ones that I've had during this hurricane preparation, then know that you're not alone. I may not be able to give you any direction, but I can definitely empathize with you!