As the nation watched Hurricane Katrina strike the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005, stories of tragedy, triumph and sorrow soon emerged.  This past week, Monmouth College was lucky enough to host Nancy Dixon, a Katrina survivor.  Dixon was brought to Monmouth College by Steve Price, director of communication  across the curriculum and assistant professor of English,  and Robert Hale, associate professor of English.  Price and Hale attended University of Louisiana with Dixon. 

Dixon’s talk focused on why she was still in New Orleans after enduring the full effects of Katrina’s wrath.  Dixon lives in New Orleans with her significant other and stayed behind with her dogs.  The street she lived on was flooded with waist deep water from the levies breaking and she used a boat to get around. 

After staying in her house for three days, Dixon and her significant other took their dogs and left their home.  They passed many memorable sights, such as the Superdome, and saw many things they did not understand.  Looters were taking  things from stores, and  at one time people were throwing cans of soda at people in boats below, seemingly for entertainment purposes. 

After reaching a relative’s house and finding it also was underwater, they were left uncertain where to go next.  When they were finally in shallow enough water, they had to leave the boat and walk for several miles.  Along the way, they were approached by a policeman who demanded to know where they were going.  At the time, officers were separating people and their pets because there were so many people in need of rescue.  Later, many learned that a lot of the officers working in search and rescue were not from New Orleans and were not only unfamiliar with their surroundings, but were also lacking communication methods with those who did know the surroundings and procedures. 

Part of the talk was focused on a question and answer method.  When asked about the influence of the experience on her view of humanity, Dixon relayed that she found more comfort in humanity.  Dixon says this experience made her meet her neighbors and brought all of the people of New Orleans together over a common experience. 

A professor at University of Louisiana, Dixon says the University was one of the first places to open after the disaster.  She says, “The students were happy and proud to be back.  School added normalcy to their lives.” The first graduation that May was one of the most emotional experiences ever. 

Today, New Orleans is still recovering from the disaster.  Dixon says the water is safe to drink, but most do not drink it straight from the tap.  Power was not restored to the area until almost Christmas, four months later. There are still big problems with flooding; only a few weeks ago, all schools in the New Orleans were closed because of flooding from some strong storms.

Dixon’s talk about her experience was one that put a bright light on the ongoing struggles of the millions directly affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Dixon cannot imagine herself living anywhere but New Orleans, especially after her experience in Hurricane Katrina. 

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