In the aftermath of Maria

Stories of Resilience Courage and Spiritual Transformation

In the aftermath of Maria, Caribbean students at St. Thomas University create short story collection.

On April 23, St. Thomas University will be unveiling a rich and diverse short story collection “Student Narratives on Hurricane Maria” written by Caribbean students displaced by Hurricane Maria. Nineteen students, mostly from Puerto Rico and one from the Dominican Republic, came together to share their stories of resilience and courage before, during, and after the hurricane devastated their homeland.

This past October, after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, St. Thomas acted quickly to make sure students in the Caribbean could continue their studies uninterrupted and regain a sense of normalcy. Not only were the Islands left without power or infrastructure, but all businesses and institutions were closed. By taking in these students, immediately in October 2017, they were able to continue their academic careers and find a safe, supportive environment to live in.

The Stories of Resilience, Courage, and Spiritual Transformation is a compilation of student essays written by Puerto Rican students who fled Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and moved into the arms of St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. The narratives captured in this book accurately chronicle the impact this natural disaster had on their lives. These are stories of survival shared by a courageous and resilient group of young adults.

Each student describes the devastation they experienced – days without food, water, gas and the means to communicate. Each one expressed the apprehension they felt about leaving their families and loved ones. For some, this would be the first time venturing out on their own.

Reading these essays will move you to experience a diversity of emotions. Each student will take you on a journey; one filled with uncertainty, fear, anxiety, courage, resilience, and hope for a better future. >> Amazon.