Snowmaggedon: What a Winter Storm Taught Us
Article Written by Lani Pieper & Megan Bonsall, Photography by Emily Snyder, Design by Bailey Kelley, Media by Taylor Lammi
When people think of winter and snow, it’s no surprise that the state of Texas doesn’t automatically come to mind. However, in February 2021, the unthinkable happened: the entire state of Texas was hit with a historic snowstorm breaking temperature records and creating wildly unsafe conditions.
This unfamiliarity brought both fear and unpredictability to the state of Texas. Between the electricity outages, loss of running water due to busted or frozen pipes, and the deprivation of heat in freezing conditions, it was clear that Texas was not built for these dangerous circumstances.
Texans were isolated in their homes by the snow or forced to brave the cold in order to get needed supplies. Rolling power outages made cooking, charging devices, and using electricity a race against the clock before losing power again.
Even with all the hazards and unforeseen dangers brought about by the storm, Texans still found ways to reflect the state value of friendship by helping a stranger or a neighbor in need. From taking in stray pets to letting shoppers walk out of the grocery store with free food and water, camaraderie and generosity gave many Texans the hope they needed to make it through the winter storm.
Now, with the snow melted and power restored, many lessons can be taken away from this unprecedented experience:
Be there for your neighbors.
Show kindness through your actions.
Compassion and generosity go a long way.
Ultimately, by being human, we have the capacity to enable good to happen to us and to others. Be the person to lend a hand and treat people with kindness. Regardless of how small the act may seem, it will make a difference.