By Lily Yengle ’13

“My family and I planted a Christmas tree out front when my brother was born 14 years ago, which now lays on its side after erupting into flames for a few hours,” Bayside, N.Y.resident GeorgiaPapagianis ‘15 said. “The fire department responded to the call immediately but wouldn’t dare touch the 4000 voltage line on fire.”

“The pole supporting my neighborhood’s electric power lines was worn and was unable to withstand Sandy’s high winds,” she added. “As a result, it fell and the power lines snapped and burst into flames all over our front lawn.”

Papagianis’s home is one of the many affected by New York City’s ongoing power failure.

“My family had to wait until [Tuesday] morning for Con Edison to shut off the power which stopped the sparks and random fires that were occurring all throughout the night,” she said.

Energy supplier Con Edison has been trying to restore power to blacked-out customers in all of New York’s five boroughs. Some areas are not expected to have power until as late as November 11.

In others, power is not the main concern. Breezy Point, in Queens, was devastated by fires from exploding generators.

“Many of my high school peers and best friends have lost their homes” Rob Pollastro ‘16 said. “My aunt and cousin lost their homes due to flooding and fires.”

A campus-wide email sent Wednesday by President Daniel H. Weiss said, “Students who have a safe method of travel home are encouraged to do so.”

But damage on the East Coast has kept some students stranded on the hill.

Megan Young ‘13, who lives in Manasquan near the Jersey Shore, has not been able to get back to assess the damage. Her parents were forced to evacuate.

Many Jersey Shore residents have not yet been allowed to return to the ruined boardwalks and flooded towns.

“I have been calling the Disaster Relief almost constantly, but they are not sure when we will be allowed back in,” Young said.

Jen White ‘14 is also from Manasquan, though her part of town suffered less damage. Sandy left her house with a “fallen tree and a really messy backyard.”

This week has also been difficult for students on campus, who, until this afternoon, were without power.

“Members of the Campus Life, Public Safety, Plant Operations and Dining Services staffs, among others, have been working very hard to try to keep students comfortable and reasonably entertained,” Vice President for Campus Life and Senior Diversity Officer Annette Diorio said.

“I think they’ve done a pretty fair job at handling this situation,” Papagianis said, noting the movie nights and other activities the administration has organized. “I just think that they should’ve made a call about canceling this week ahead of time, like other schools did.”

Some students have looked on the bright side of being in the dark.

“Marquis is open all day with free food for us, and in reality, that is all that is needed really to be happy here,” Pollastrosaid.

Although, he added, “a simple light in the bathroom would be nice.”