If you can watch Oprah and not cry...

...then you must have a heart of stone. I just happened to be here this afternon while Oprah was on and she is in Texas covering the aftermath of hurricane katrina. Although I had been affected by the coverage on the news and by talking to friends affected, nothing affected me like Oprah's coverage did. She of course went beyond what CNN (if I have to watch TV news it definitely will not be Fox) covered and spoke to people. The stories just broke my heart. There are those still sleeping on streets who have had food for days and haven't seen their families for a week. There are those who passed away on the side of the street.

This is America. This shouldn't happen to citizens of this country. There are those who say that these people should have heeded the evacuation warning, but what about the people who had no choice? What is you were too poor to own a car, be able to get a hotel room or a train/plane/bus ticket?

What strikes me is how short sighted we as people can be. We don't take the time to understand and appreciate the situations of others. Not only that, but we take what we have for granted. Sure there are hard days, hard tests; people walk into and out of your life, etc. We should take the time to appreciate what we have and give to those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

I am extremely proud of the Georgia Tech family for opening its doors and hearts to those affected. As some of the most priveledged people on the planet, it is our duty to be selfless and give of ourselves. This is what will keep the world a happy, good place and I have seen my peers more than step up to the plate and it warms my heart.