SABRINA JENDLY
Staff Writer
Hurricane Katrina has stirred the community in ways that remind Americans once again of what it means to stand together united with memories of Sept. 11 still fresh in their minds. While some respond with bitterness and confusion to Hurricane Katrina, freshman and international student Oluwatomi Jaiyeola decided to take action.
Jaiyeola organized an improvised fund-raiser in Elkins last Thursday. With the help of three other students – Hunter Stanfield, Zach Tips and Richard Nye, the latter two also freshmen, the students raised $221.74, all of which will be added to the aid that Pepperdine is already putting together to donate to the American Red Cross.
Tips first considered playing the guitar in front of Elkins to raise money. But with the help of Jaiyeola, the effort was no longer a guitar fest, but became a dance as well.
“Richard was playing with trash cans as drums. We were dancing around with bins to get people to donate money,” Jaiyeola said. “Some just stopped. But others were willing to donate once they knew that it was for Katrina. In a tragedy like this, everyone is ready to help.”
Jaiyeola said she got the idea of doing something to help the victims of the hurricane on Sunday of the first week of school after attending church and reading about the misery and destruction left by Katrina.
“I thought we should do something and add more money because it’s never enough. If you have, give because you are blessed and privileged,” Jaiyeola said. “No matter how little you have, just give what you can because God will bless you back.”
Jaiyeola is a 17-year-old student from Nigeria, an economics major and an active member of the Campus Ministries service team. She is also the daughter of a church leader and said that when she is back at home, she is a Sunday school teacher. Oluwatomi’s name means “God is sufficient for me” in her native idiom.
Crocker Hall, also known as Dorm 10, where Jaiyeola lives, also decided to join in the effort. After talking to the campus minister, Linda Truschke, and obtaining the support of her resident advisers, Oluwatomi is organizing another fund-raising event entitled “Crocker Rockers for Katrina.” With the help of the Pengilly Hall boys on Thursday, Sep. 22, between 7 and 9 p.m. at the volleyball court behind Dorm 10, there will once more be music and dancing. All are invited to attend.
09-15-2005