In early January, Southern California was hit by the second most destructive wildfire disaster in state history, impacting many students at American University.
In the aftermath of the fires, students from Southern California received an email from Vice President of Student Affairs Raymond Ou reminding students that the University is there to support them at this time. Ou also included many resources that students can consult if they need them.
“Our thoughts are with everyone in the affected communities, and we sincerely hope that you, your family, friends, and loved ones are safe,” Ou said in the email, which was obtained by The Eagle.
The wildfires in the Los Angeles region forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate, and as of Feb. 12, 29 lives were lost. It took four weeks for first responders to contain the Palisades and Eaton fires and many lost their homes.
“The University is committed to supporting our students affected by the wildfires in the Southern California region,” said Jackson Dietz, communications coordinator, noting that they had reached out to impacted students via email.
Dietz also said the University provided resources to students including academic assistance through the Dean of Students Office, well-being resources through the Center for Well-Being Programs and Psychological Services and offered community support through the Kay Spiritual Life Center.
“Students seeking support are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office for guidance on available resources,” Dietz said.
Isaac Herskovitz, a freshman in the School of International Service, said he would have liked to see more of a response from the University.
“Even just an Instagram post … something like ‘we have you all in our hearts right now,’” Herskovitz said. “You don’t need a PR manager. That’s like five seconds for whoever runs Instagram.”
Back at home, Herskovitz saw volunteers and donation drives handing out blankets and food, not just in the severely affected areas, but in his neighborhood of Pico-Robertson, which is less than an hour from the immediate LA area.
Herskovitz said that coming back to school after break, he would tell classmates that he was from the Southern California area and noted the support from both students and professors who asked if he was affected.
“I really appreciated that, even though I didn’t know these people at all, maybe I’ll never talk to them again, that they were willing to reach out,” Herskovitz said.
Herskovitz did not lose his home, but he did evacuate and lose power. He shared that his friend’s grandparents lost their home, which he said is on his mind since his return to campus.
Afton Copeland Spiegel, a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs and the School of Communication, said that seeing her dad stay behind and help to put out fires on her street in Altadena made her want to volunteer as well. She found volunteer work at a local bookstore that had been turned into a donation center.
“Seeing so many people who were struggling just broke my heart,” Copeland Spiegel said. “[It] just leaves you wanting to do more.”
Copeland Spiegel wants to remind the University community that the Southern California community is still struggling.
“The devastation doesn’t go away with headlines,” Copeland Spiegel said. “So many people are trying to pull the piece of their lives back together.”
Students who were impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires can find resources and support through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, California Fire Foundation, and After the Fire USA. Students can also track active fires and incidents in California through this tracker.
Read this article to discover how you can support Los Angeles Fire Victims from D.C.
This article was edited by Cara Halford, Tyler Davis and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Olivia Citarella and Sabine Kanter-Huchting.
