Help arrives at ResiCampus after hurricane Maria

By Priscilla M. Malavet Alvarado
Student Reporter
Office of Communications*
Río Piedras Campus – UPR

Photographs and Video by Ángel X. Masa
Student Photojournalist

Lorna Pagan Mattos
Translator
Graduate Student, Translation Program
Faculty of Humanities, RRP-UPR

They say that the sun comes out after a hurricane and—though, for many, it was a long wait after hurricane Maria—the sun shone for the tenants of the ResiCampus student residence, on the Río Piedras Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (RRP-UPR), at the beginning of March, when the company Ecologic Furniture donated more than 100 pieces of furniture to the university residence.

The 85 bed frames, 85 mattresses and 40 futons were received by the Student Services assistant dean, Darwin Marrero Carrer. He told us that the company’s CEO, Daniel Goldman, took the initiative, reaching out after learning about the highly negative impact of the hurricane on the island.

Goldman, representing Ecologic Furniture, sent an email enquiring about campus conditions and whether the university needed any furniture assistance after the emergency. Marrero Carrer did not hesitate to reply, and expressed his concerns regarding the ResiCampus furniture, which had gotten wet due to the heavy rains and was in bad shape.

“Getting this donation is the best thing that could have happened,” said Ángel García Vázquez, resident at ResiCampus. “Before, there was nowhere to sit because we didn’t have as many seats. However, with the donation, you can feel a change in the environment. Now, all of the students meet down in the lobby to socialize and study. It’s livelier,” he added.

According to the Assistant Dean, the students will be more comfortable now, because the futons have been distributed among the entrance hall, the lobby and some bedrooms. As a result, students can now find small sitting rooms where to watch television, study or socialize. He also mentioned that the bed frames and mattresses were distributed among the sixth, seventh and eighth floors, the worst affected by hurricane winds.

“The bed I got is excellent and very comfortable,” Alexandra Moreno Ortiz, cheerleader and ResiCampus resident, said enthusiastically. “The one I had before was already very old, the springs in the box spring were stretched, so the bed would sink, and, as an athlete, my back hurt. But the new bed frame is comfortable, so I fall asleep faster, I’m not kept awake by the discomfort, and I wake up with no back pain, so I’m able to study better,” she added.

For most of the 355 students, living at ResiCampus is the only financially viable alternative for living near campus. The residence provides a comfortable and peaceful environment that aids them in the academic preparation process. Additionally, living in ResiCampus includes several advantages, according to the students.

“I love living here, because, not only is it inexpensive, it’s in a convenient location. If I want to study in the library at night, I can do it. If I have time between classes, I can come take a nap or cook, so that I don’t spend money unnecessarily. There isn’t any heavy traffic and security is good. Also, all of my friends are here, and, even though I don’t go out a lot, I know that University Avenue is close by,” said Israel Aldana Pérez, a ResiCampus resident.

For assistant dean Marrero Carrer, the donation was of utmost importance and relief. “We are extremely grateful. I couldn’t have imagined that this would happen. Up until I saw the team here, I couldn’t believe it. I was happy that I dared to tell him about our needs, and to see that help really did arrive,” he said.

He also added that the entire administrative team was very proud of being able to help the university’s students, delivering the furniture and contributing to the quality of life of those who reside in ResiCampus.

Marrero Carrer also mentioned that he is engaged in talks to possibly obtain a larger furniture donation to equip all of the bedrooms and common areas of the student residence.

* Frances M. Velázquez Feliciano also contributed to this piece