The coronavirus pandemic has affected millions of people across the globe, including college students. Schools and colleges have shifted classes online for the rest of the semester, graduation and other school activities have been cancelled and students’ academic plans have been affected. Many Tallahassee Community College students returned home, some students stayed in town, but all of them are doing their best to fulfill their academic requirements to finish out the semester despite the societal upheaval.
By Darlean Hunkar | Student Submission
On March 30, my mom’s and stepdad’s home in Havana was destroyed by fire during the middle of the night. It appears the fire was caused by the dryer vent. Everyone has been washing clothes more frequently because of this coronavirus crisis. Both my parents along with their dog and two cats were able to escape safely, but the fire destroyed the house and all of their belongings.
All the possessions they accumulated over a lifetime were lost. Because of the virus, we’re not even sure the destroyed mobile home can be moved, even if we wanted to. My parents are displaced right now, living between my home and a friend’s nearby.
Our family has started a fundraiser to help replace some of their lost belongings and help them rebuild their lives. They need everything from furniture and clothing.
If the fire wasn’t bad enough, I was supposed to get married to my best friend on April 25, but we had to cancel our wedding for another year because of the social distancing required by this virus. My wedding dress and other wedding items were destroyed in the fire. Now, I will have to purchase another wedding dress. It’s a lot to have to deal with, especially with three kids at home.
This coronavirus has caused many heartaches for my family. We just want to survive the pandemic and get back to our normal lives.
TCC student Darlean Hunkar plans to study social work at Florida State University.
How has this global pandemic affected your life as a TCC student / faculty member / staff member? We want to hear from you. Please send us your story. Click the link below to access the online submission form: https://forms.gle/ea4z2LjBQho8FadW7
