Displaced Student Happy at UAM

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Michael Ford
Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Michael Ford

Maria Teresa McGeehan

   After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, the University of Arkansas at Monticello received eight displaced students. One of those students, Maria Teresa McGeehan, said coming to UAM is the best thing to ever happen to her. 

   "Everything fell right into place," she said. "People are a lot nicer here, and I get to spend more time with my son." 

   Though born in the Philippines, McGeehan grew up a military brat, moving from one place to another. She graduated from Slidell High School in 2004, and then began attending Delgado College in Baton Rouge, La., as a nursing major – but then the hurricane hit.  

   "We weren't going to evacuate but at the last minute we had a mandatory evacuation," McGeehan said. "We drove six and a half hours to the United Methodist Church in Dumas and stayed there for two weeks." 

   After the hurricane, McGeehan and her family went back to a destroyed home.  

   UAM provided her with a house, furniture and tuition all for free. 

   "Thank you to everybody," McGeehan said. "Everybody's been so nice it's weird." 

   She especially appreciates her neighbors. 

   "They help with all my stuff," she said. "They're generous and kind-hearted people." 

   In her free time, McGeehan enjoys attending church, reading the Bible and yoga. 

   "I'm too independent for my own good," she said. "I love and miss all my friends back home and hope they are safe."

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