Aiken Technical College Resumes Classes After Hurricane Helene Disruption

Aiken College Reopens After Tropical Storm Helene

In Aiken, students and faculty are breathing a collective sigh of relief as classes have finally resumed at Aiken Technical College following the disruption caused by Tropical Storm Helene. It’s been a rollercoaster ride these past few weeks, and the return to campus on October 10 marked a much-needed step towards normalcy.

Getting Back on Track

After 10 long days without power, the school community is grateful for the return of classes. Dr. Forest Mahan, the president of Aiken Tech, was seen on campus, clearly pleased to see students bustling around once again. “We’re just grateful that we’re back up and running,” he said with a warm smile.

Despite the significant challenges posed by the storm, Dr. Mahan reassured students and staff that the college did not suffer any structural or roof damage. Power was restored to the entire campus by October 7, but the college still faced issues with internet and communication systems. To tackle this, the school’s information technology team worked tirelessly, even using a generator as they sorted things out. By the evening of Monday, the college’s network was back in business.

Students Adjust to Changes

Once classes resumed, students were keen to dive back into their studies. Facilities like the Learning Resource Center and Testing Center reopened, giving students a place to catch up on schoolwork. They could even charge their devices in the student lounge, which proved to be a lifeline for many.

“Today was good,” said freshman nursing student Janiya Dunbar from Beech Island. “I walked around, and everybody seems to be back.” It’s clear that the sense of community is strong, and many students are just happy to be back in a routine. However, it hasn’t been straightforward for everyone. Janiya mentioned she was working hard to catch up on some online exams.

Adapting to Challenges

Another nursing student, Alana Herron from Jackson, expressed similar sentiments. She told us that while her professors have been accommodating in pushing back due dates, she still feels the pressure. “We’re going to have to work twice as hard to get it all done by the end of school,” she said, noting her struggles with internet access at home.

Then there’s Alice Brown, who is graduating this year in structural welding—a unique field she aptly described as “sewing with fire.” “I was going crazy not being back,” she said with a laugh. “No power and no school? It was tough!” Yet, Alice also noted, “It could have been a lot worse, though.” Aiken Technical College boasts a student body of 2,307 and employs around 220 staff members, so the challenges of the storm were felt across the board.

A Community Coming Together

Classes at other local institutions resumed as well. USC Aiken and Horse Creek Academy both reopened on October 7, while Aiken County Public Schools are on a fall break until October 14. Meanwhile, students from Mead Hall Episcopal School won’t return until after their fall break, and officials from the Edgefield County School District are excited to get back to learning on the same day.

In the wake of the storm, community leaders have noted the resilience of both staff and families. Dr. Kevin O’Gorman, superintendent of Edgefield County Schools, remarked, “We’ve learned a lot of lessons and created wonderful new partnerships in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.”

As classes gear back toward routine, it’s refreshing to see the determination and spirit of both students and teachers at Aiken Technical College. In times of trial, the bond among them grows stronger, proving the power of community.