“When Your Home Burns Down” by alumna Lynn Sternberger is a deeply personal narrative of the 2025 Eaton Fire that resonated with many alumni, especially those navigating climate-driven disasters. Instead of more traditional news reporting, we provided a raw, first-person account of the emotional and logistical aftermath of losing a home to a wildfire. It sparked discussion on social media among alumni who lived through the L.A. fires and other disasters globally.
From the Judges
This piece evoked humor and resilience in the face of tragedy to share a beautifully written story that effectively puts the reader in the shoes of the writer and others like her. We enjoyed the anecdote about the tortoise and the piece’s ability to build affinity amongst the college’s community.
