I wanted to write a column about returning to Loyola – something that eloquently expressed the feelings that many of us are experiencing after attending other schools. I wanted it to be touching and beautiful and a work of art. Chris Rose can do it, so why can’t I?

But here’s the thing: It’s difficult for me (or anyone) to come up with something entertaining right now. It’s almost impossible to find humor and charm in a situation that is anything but.

As a senior, it was especially jarring to be shuffled to a new school and city that I knew nothing about. And when you throw in the element of “My hometown just got doused in 10 feet of water and muck by a giant, raging whore of a natural disaster,” the experience can become even more confusing and harsh.

While Seattle University was generous and kind to all of the displaced New Orleans students, it was still a strange situation. I was 2,500 miles from home where most people I met couldn’t begin to comprehend what I was feeling.

No one knew what to say. My major last semester should’ve been changed from “print journalism” to “making people uncomfortable.” It wasn’t all bad; in fact, it was a nice balance between incredible and depressing, if it’s even possible to find a balance there.

But you all had an experience something like mine. And I bet you’re pretty sick of being asked about where you went to school last semester and how it went for you. I’ve even begun to hide from casual friends or avoid the question entirely, just to spare myself the longwinded answer that has become neither funny nor witty.

So, damn it, let’s move on. What do we do after this? How do we adjust, and what can we do to help? What do we do now?

You have an opportunity.

You live in a city that used to be filled with music, personalities and, of course, pretty memorable accents.

It is now filled with abandoned homes and broken people. The French Quarter is practically deserted. I overheard a street musician outside of Café du Monde say “every day is a Sunday now.”

Your job is to bring it back to life.

Get involved. Don’t get so busy that you can’t take an afternoon off and volunteer your time somewhere worthwhile.

Fill the bars and spend some money. If for no other reason, do it to keep Loyola in the top 10 party school range (we’re gunning for number nine next time).

Go to the French Quarter, see the sights and give those street performers some coins.

Eat at local restaurants every once in a while, if you can afford it.Take the tour. Look at what has happened and tell your friends. Realize that Uptown is only a small part of the city, and that it sustained the least amount of damage.

Go to Mardi Gras. Yeah, I don’t see you complaining about that.

You are helping just by living here. You give people some hope. I don’t know if any of that is eloquent, but it’s the truth.