Growing up in Jamaica, nestled in the mountainous region of St. James, my life was shaped by the rhythms of a community where drivers had mastered the art of navigating narrow couloirs — steep gullies carved beside the mountain. Every morning, as my late brother Dwayne and I boarded the community bus to the city for school, I would grip my seat tightly, a mix of awe and terror swirling inside me. The roads we traveled were barely nine feet wide, flanked on one side by a steep gully that seemed to drop into the earth itself.

As the bus wound precariously close to the edge, my young heart would race with nerve‑wrecking fear. I would glance nervously at Dwayne, who, with a calm smile, seemed unbothered by the razor‑thin margin for error. The drivers — skillful and fearless — guided the bus steadily through these daunting passages, their mastery a lifeline that safely ushered us to school and back home to the countryside each day.

But as I grew older, those once‑frightening views transformed. The jagged cliffs, the sprawling valleys, and the lush greenery formed a breathtaking landscape that I came to cherish. The very paths that once sparked my fear became a sanctuary I longed to return to, a place where the chaotic pulse of the city melted away into the calm embrace of nature.

Today, those scenic views and sacred travel routes have been disrupted. When Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, it also ripped through the hearts of a courageous, bold, and unwavering people, forever changing the fabric of their lives. The storm’s fury has not only damaged homes but also fractured the spirit of a place that has stood resilient for centuries. The roads have been battered, the gully altered, and the journey that once symbolized the pulse of daily life is now a difficult passage for many.

As I remember those early bus rides with Dwayne, the fear, the beauty, and the unyielding spirit of our community remain etched in my heart. Now, as they face the challenge of rebuilding, I hold on to the hope that these paths will once again carry laughter, learning, and life through the heart of Hampton.

My name is Phiola McFarlane. I was born on the island of Jamaica, in the parish of St. James. I am currently a high school teacher in New York City. In response to Melissa’s devastation, I have partnered with my church, Pilgrim Union Church of God, to launch a relief project. My team and I welcome your support. Please stand with us in this critical time. Help us rebuild the heart and soul of Hampton so future generations can thrive.

Every dollar matters; every form of help counts. You can donate funds, gently used items, non-perishable food items, school supplies, or your time. Ask your company to match a gift or share our cause on your social media.

With deep gratitude and hope,

Phiola McFarlane

NYC Math Teacher