On February 27, 2019, Dr. Tanveer Islam interviewed Kate Mason for the Jacksonville State University Oral History Project on the 2018 Jacksonville tornado. Mason begins by describing her emotional and psychological experiences following the tornado, including panic attacks and vivid nightmares. She was at home when the tornado struck, with her mother alerting her to the incoming storm moments before it hit. Mason recounts the difficulty of managing her pets during the tornado and the physical destruction of her apartment, which was heavily damaged. Mason details the immediate aftermath of the disaster, during which she lost all her possessions and lived in multiple locations. She struggled financially, lacking comprehensive insurance and renters’ insurance, relying on a GoFundMe page set up by friends and financial support from her family. Despite applying for FEMA assistance, Mason did not receive financial help due to delays in processing her application. She also faced challenges with her academic life, as her grades declined, and she received limited support from professors. Mason reflects on the psychological toll of the event, sharing how she experienced flashbacks and anxiety, particularly triggered by sounds reminiscent of the tornado. She discusses her coping mechanisms, such as playing music and working as a park ranger, which helped her regain a sense of normalcy. Despite the difficulties, Mason found resilience in her ability to recover emotionally and financially, crediting both her family and the community for their support. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of preparedness for future disasters.