My apartment doesn't have any electricity. Actually, until 9:45 Tuesday morning it didn't even have running water. And I am just one of 300,000 living in these conditions.

Frankly, it sucks.

I don't consider myself a high-maintenance person, but I have done my fair share of complaining about the mark Hurricane Ike left on Ohio. Walking fifteen minutes to use the bathroom, checking my email - gasp - only once a day and charging my cell phone during class are all inconveniences that I'm ready to forget. But the more I dwell on the negative aspects of this situation, the more I am reminded about the positive ones.

One of the best things about the University of Dayton is its community, and I have never experienced this benefit more than I have this week. As one of the fortunate residents of Campus South, I lost power on Sunday afternoon and regained it Tuesday morning. Even though the university offered students showers and room to sleep at the RecPlex, I have been contacted by friends, co-workers and friends of my friends, all offering me bathrooms, food and anything else I could need.

The upside of my post-Ike experience isn't just limited to hot showers; I can't remember the last time I spent so much time hanging out at the Hangar. Between the Mud Pies and the bountiful outlets, it has become a nesting spot for many of my Campus South family. Since I basically go back to my apartment to sleep nowadays, I'm thankful to have a great place where I can relax and use wireless internet.

Without electricity, the little time I do spend in my apartment is much different than it was before. With a limited number of flashlights, I have found that we tend to gather in groups and hang out, eating whatever non-perishable food we have left. Sure there have been a few crises over a missing box of Goldfish crackers and the fact that we no longer have any Cheez-Its, but overall it has brought me closer to my roommates, and that is something more valuable than the luxury of running water. Almost.

The lack of electricity and the lack of things to do has changed the mood on campus. Walking back from my shower on College Park last night, I passed houses where students were hanging out on their porches, drinking whatever beer that hadn't been skunked and playing guitar. Within Campus South, I have found that students tend to be more outgoing, initiating conversation in the awkwardly dark elevator or just hanging out in the halls.

Sure I have to print off my homework at the library, and yes, a freezerful of my Lean Cuisines is now spoiled, but I oddly don't regret any of the events of this week. If I have to live without water and electricity, what better place is there to do it than Dayton? If I'm going to be stuck in all of this darkness, you had better believe that I am going to find a bright side.