I looked out the window, and I saw a sunrise as my alarm clock rang in my ears and beat on my eardrums. I see the tall buildings that stand carved with Greek architectural designs. I see students making their way to class, by car, by foot, by bike; whether they are trying anxiously to make it on time, or they are trying to take their time. I looked out the window, and I saw a normal day at Jacksonville State University.

I looked out the window and saw a storm brewing. It seems like everything is suspiciously calm before disaster hits; perhaps that’s why they call it “the calm before a storm”. I looked out the window, and I saw the sky immersed with ominous, dark clouds. I began to hear the wind howl and the rain tick, harder and harder with minutes passing. I looked out the window and felt worry run through my veins as the weather started to pick up.

I can no longer look out the window because I am out the window. That window is now part of total destruction. I stand outside the window and see my home in pieces. I see glass shattered, trees down, roofs missing. I see my heart breaking as my home away from home is now scattered everywhere. I see faces of distraught, dismay. I see people overwhelmed with emotions as they have lost almost everything, yet can still find it in them to be grateful because they are indeed alive. I see cars totaled. I see those Greek buildings with a chunk taken out of them.

However, outside the window, I see communities coming together. I see people taking others in, giving out donations, doing whatever they can to help us rebuild. I see people putting in overtime to help restore power, buildings, and anything else to ensure the safety of citizens. I see people waking up at the crack of dawn to help with the clean-up of the town. I am reminded of why I chose JSU to begin with.

One day, my window will be back. I will be able to look outside the window and see smiling faces. I will be able to see the sunrise as it reveals a beautiful, reconstructed campus. I will be able to see the sunset as it kisses us goodnight. The bells that ring whenever it hits an hour will be pleasing and not dreadful. I’ll look outside the window, and I’ll see home.