 "Photo: b1mbito, Flickr.com")
Nicole Favret, a junior at Drew University, arrived in Santiago just two days after Chile experienced the seventh strongest earthquake ever recorded, an earthquake reaching 8.8 on the richter scale.
Favret, a Spanish major at Drew was studying abroad for the spring semester, living with a Chilean family for the duration of her stay. Now, five weeks after the earthquake Favret shared with the Voice the state of the country and the people of Chile, and how they are coping after the disaster.
"The people here have been so resilient and strong during these past weeks, it's been inspiring," Favret started, "It has reminded me a lot of how our country came together after the events of September 11."
Favret has had the opportunity to travel to the various cities in the country and has seen how extensive the damage has been.
"So much was destroyed, it was heartbreaking, but at the same times this country has been so beautiful, it's been quite the mix of emotions."
The earthquake hit Feb. 27 lasted only 90 seconds, but in that 90 seconds entire towns and cities lost power, and killing 300 people. It set off tsunami warnings in 53 countries, and was strong enough to shorten the length of the day by 1.26 milliseconds, tilt the Earth's axis by 8 cm, and move the entire city of Concepcion 10 feet to the west.
Favret was supposed to have landed in Santiago that day, but the plane took a detour and landed in Lima, Peru until it was considered safe to head to Chile.
"I first went to Peru, then Antofagasto, which is about 700 miles north of Santiago. It was so exhausting, but so worth it once I finally got here."
"We had to adjust quickly into a school routine, and already I've written papers and had tests. The experience has been an absolute roller-coaster. But my host family has made me feel so comfortable here I have been able to get all my work done and have had plenty of time to enjoy the city."
Favret did experience after-shock frequencies riding in a taxi one night.
"The waves were so powerful I hit my head on the seat in front of me so hard I broke my nose!" Favret laughed, "It's nothing compared to what people had to experience during the disaster, but it was certainly scary to experience that."
After shocks have been hitting the country ever since, the latest coming March 26 in the form of a 6.2 magintude earthquake.
"Being here during this time has made me feel closer to the country than I think I normally would have felt on a study abroad experience. I get to see these people experience something so intense and I get to witness how strong the country is in the face of adversity. This has so far been the most amazing experience of my life."
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