Staying positive in flood of problems

Laura Gieseking
Staff Writer
Mar. 3, 2004, Page 1

Bridget Kimball, a sophomore Frees refugee after last week’s flood, finally has time to unpack her things in her new room.
“I have been living out of a box this whole week,” Kimball said.
Kimball, along with the other 43 refugees, had to leave their cozy rooms on second and third floors after the flood waters came rushing down.
“Most of our stuff was off the floor,” said Kimball, “but our ceiling pipe broke, too. Water was pouring over everything and it dripped directly on top of my laptop.”
Kimball’s room was one of the hardest hit. She lost her computer, scanner, printer, television, portable CD player and all of her school books to name a few of the expensive items.
“The things I truly miss are the sentimental things,” said Kimball, “like my journal, papers that people have given to me and the pictures my little cousins drew for me were completely soaked.”
In spite of everything she lost, Kimball views the flood as a blessing in disguise.
“There were people I didn’t even know, just in the halls asking if I needed any help,” said Kimball. “It was just such a positive experience. There was no room to be sad or angry when everyone was so kind and helpful.”
Last Thursday, Kimball went to a benefit concert in Lincoln for the earthquake victims of Iran. She soon realized her good fortune.
“As I was listening to the music and looking at all the slides of victims, I was like ‘wow, I could have been hit a lot worse.’ These people lost their homes, their families and even their lives. Seeing that, I knew I should be very thankful,” Kimball said.
From her professors to the insurance company to her mother, Kimball said that everyone around her has been very understanding.
“I think Doane took care of it really well,” Kimball said. “I expected it to be a total mess, total chaos, but it wasn’t.”
Kimball said she thinks that being used to the unexpected has really helped her deal with the Frees flood.
“I think it is just a part of my life,” Kimball said. “My life is crazy and spontaneous anyway, so this didn’t really bother me. It will definitely be something I will always remember.”