LAKELAND, Fla. — The catastrophic conditions left behind by Hurricane Dorian hit close to home for some of Southeastern University students.

Cardrin Fernander’s family is still in Freeport Bahamas, one of the areas where Hurricane Dorian stormed through as a Category 5 storm. He is one of 12 Bahamian students on campus.

“A whirlwind of emotions for me. Especially when the storm became practically stationary over the island. That was just horrific to watch,” said Cardrin Fernander.

Fortunately his family’s home wasn’t damaged too badly. But he’s still only able to communicate with his parents via text.

“I have family who watched their loved ones get swept away to sea. People who got stuck in the roofs of their homes and died. I’m thankful that my immediate family is OK, but I do have close friends and family who aren’t so OK,” said Fernander.

He said they still don’t have electricity.

“They’re advising that you only use the water to flush toilets so you have to use drinking water to bathe and or cook with,” said Fernander.

Fernander said it warmed his heart to see his classmates at Southeastern volunteering their time and donating thousands of dollars to prepare hygiene kits for the Bahamas.

“Everybody has been donating. Especially I commend the Americans because they have really been doing their part. U.S. Coast Guard and everyone. But there is a need for water and some other resources,” said Fernander.

The students at Southeastern University also wrote 2,000 letters of encouragement to Bahamians in the affected areas.

“You have some people who can't donate financially but at least letting the people know they are loved, it helps a lot,” said Fernander.

The university is working with Convoy of Hope and Crossroads Alliance to get the items to the Bahamas.