On July 16, 2019, Erin Rider from Jacksonville State University interviewed Harrison McDaniel for an oral history project documenting experiences of the Jacksonville, Alabama, tornado that occurred on March 19, 2018. McDaniel, a lifelong Alabama resident, was working at a Lowe’s store in Oxford when the tornado hit. His roommate repeatedly called to inform him about the tornado and his missing cat. McDaniel immediately left work and drove through the storm’s aftermath to his apartment, encountering widespread power outages, fallen trees, and blocked roads. Upon arrival, he found a group of people trapped outside their apartments and managed to access his own, rescuing his cat and gathering some belongings before a second tornado struck. The interview covers McDaniel’s experiences during the tornado, including his frantic efforts to reach his apartment and the damage it sustained. He describes his apartment being flooded with broken windows and scattered debris, but he was able to rescue his cat and a few personal items. McDaniel also discusses the aftermath, including the financial and emotional challenges he faced. He lost most of his possessions, struggled to find temporary housing, and experienced job-related issues. Despite receiving some assistance, McDaniel ultimately quit his job and returned home to regroup. The tornado, along with subsequent personal hardships, profoundly impacted McDaniel’s outlook. He reflects on his process of recovery, emphasizing resilience and self-reliance, even as he dealt with emotional struggles. The tornado became a catalyst for change in his life, leading him to focus on improving his financial stability, education, and personal growth.