Very few, at least in West Union, acted like a Hurricane was going to strike Durham on Wednesday. Back in Pegram, the dorm encapsulated both sides of the vast emotional spectrum: the incredibly stressed and the completely oblivious. A few friends and I ventured into a breadless and canned-food-less Target in “preparation” for Florence, picking up a slew of snacks. Hurricane Florence arrived Friday, Sept. 14 at 7:41 a.m – storming through the coast first. When it hit Durham, no one quite knows; we were fortunately graced with a cool 80 degree, partly cloudy forecast during its supposed arrival. 

Blue Devils: 1      Hurricane Florence: 0

10:45 a.m.

I awake suddenly. A tree has not crashed through our room window (as one of our over-anxious friends worried it might). Rather, I had realized that my Documentary Studies class reading assignment was due in 30 minutes; I had not started. 

12:18 p.m

Assignment submitted – late, but done at least. All this time, it has been quite beautiful outside. A bit cloudy, but the sun is shining. No rain or wind in sight. 

12:30 p.m. 

Failing at productivity...per usual. 

3:00 p.m.

I trudge through the intense cloud cover and one mile per hour winds to a Marketplace classroom, meeting up with friends and hoping to catch up on math homework. Most likely due to the previous late night at Shooters, my brain was absent. Between laying on the floor, running up and down the hall, discussing the practicality of converting the classroom window into an cod fish aquarium and founding Duke’s newest mock acapella group, (check out our cover of “Party in the U.S.A.” or our classical rendition of Cupcakke’s greatest hit) I did manage to complete “some” math. 

6:00 p.m.

Dinner at Marketplace. There are slim pickings for us new Blue Devils to rifle through. Apparently, Hurricane Flo had affected something on campus. 

6:32 p.m.

At this point, I look up from my plate of salad to watch a tree outside almost disappear from view as it swayed from side to side. Then I notice the sheets of wind and rain. We all watch, horrified, as a bird attempts to fly out of harm's way but is fiercely struck down by the almighty Flo herself. She is finally here. 

6:34 p.m. 

The rather unfortunate moment we realize that we have to walk back to Pegram in shorts and t-shirts. 

6:37 p.m. 

I whip out my iPhone camera and record some rambunctious boys playing slip n’ slide on the $40 million grass. 

6:42 p.m.

RUN back to the dorm. 

6:45 p.m.

I am back in my room, throwing off my soaked shoes and putting on my favorite pair of Crocs. My friend and I decide we were going to fully experience Hurricane Flo. 

6:48 p.m.

We deserted the Pegram refuge: running into the rain, jumping into giant puddles, spinning in circles, creating water angels in the grass, jumping in more puddles, playing football, trying to drink water from the sky and admiring nature’s unrelenting beauty firsthand. 

7:04 p.m.

Back with the 'Gram fam: soaked, though quite refreshed. 

8:37 p.m.

After showering, I migrate down to the Pegram common room. What a hoppin’ place it was: baking, ping pong, pool, movie nights, card games galore, piano playing, singing. We Pegramites were definitely winning the battle against Flo. 

9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Discovering the third-floor commons, my friends and I gorge on Oreos, pretzels, grapes, Jolly Ranchers – really any food in sight. We talk, laugh, sing and discuss drama. We consider a night out at Shooters but then succumb to college laziness, instead diving into the addictive world of Tinder, eating Halo Top and eventually making a run to the infamous Cosmic Cantina.

After the hour of heavy rain and wind, an eerie calm and a slight drizzle enveloped Bull City. Although Flo dodged Duke, others were and are still suffering from the natural tragedy across the Carolinas. However, I do have to thank Hurricane Florence for allowing me to forge such extraordinary friendships. What an amazing five days.