A group of Bahamian students in South Florida expressed worry over the future of their education following the devastation from Hurricane Dorian in their homeland.
About 15% of the student body at Florida Memorial University is made up of international students from the Bahamas. Half of that group is from Grand Bahama.
"It's been a distraction," said international student Desmond Butler. "You know, I've been stressed, trying to study."
Butler said his parents had to leave their home at 4 a.m. when Dorian bore down as a Category 5 storm.
"There was water up to their waist and it got higher up to the ceiling, and then the roof in the house is gone," he said.
Butler is one of the many students who are concerned that they will not be able to finish their education at the private university in Miami Gardens.
Jemonique Barnabie's mom is currently unemployed, and her father's job security is uncertain.
"In the aftermath, it kind of brought up the question, like, how am I going to be able to continue to go on this semester?" Barnabie said. "How am I going to afford to stay in school financially? How am I going to get money sent by my parents?"
FMU Provost Adrienne Cooper said financial aid will be evaluated on a case by case basis, however, they are looking for ways to assist with room and board and scholarship opportunities.
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"We actually have a campaign going now so that we can help these students stay in school," Cooper said. "We have a donate button on our website and we are working really hard to find other sources and alternatives for scholarships for these students so they can complete their education."
The provost also mentioned the university is also working on planning student trips to Grand Bahama over winter break and spring break to help the island rebuild.
