OC HIGH / STUDENT NEWS & VIEWS : my turn : Every Earthquake Has a Silver Lining

Are earthquakes all bad? Some might say they are; after all, people die, get hurt, their homes crumble, businesses collapse. In addition to the tragedies, though, earthquakes bring benefits as well.

Being a resident of California who constantly experiences earthquakes can only lessen the fear of death. Each time you come out alive, you are certainly grateful to whatever power you believe in. Yet you also gain confidence and grow through that experience. You also have something to talk about now and in your old age.

Earthquakes are also good in that each time one occurs, the stress on the land is relieved a little. This means that every time we have a minor earthquake, the “Big One” won’t be as big.

The damage that an earthquake does is extensive. But it gives us a chance to rebuild, restructure and expand.

But first we must feel the loss, before we experience the gain. Through the restructuring, neighbors and strangers alike are brought together.

People can assemble together to fight off the drastic effects of nature. Through the devastating fires, earthquakes and other hazards, people can unite for the better.

So the next time an earthquake occurs, try to look beyond the damage it did. Rather, look at the rebuilding you can do.