Be someone.

These two words represent the culture and mindset of Nicole “Kidd” Blaskowsky’s hometown.

Houston.

The city challenges everyone to be someone and make a difference in the surrounding communities. That mentality became more of a reality when Hurricane Harvey struck the city Friday night.

That evening, the Blaskowsky family witnessed a power outage, unimaginable winds and a constant heavy downpour of rain that led to flooding.

For the former Iowa State guard that played from 2012 to 2016, it was even harder because she wasn’t at home with her family. She moved to Fort Worth, Texas on Thursday as she’s preparing for a new job.

“These have been some of the hardest days because I’m not able to see the people I love,” Blaskowsky said. “Fortunately though, all of my family is safe and healthy, which is the most important thing.”

Over the weekend, her family stayed in their home in Houston, but Monday, they became an area that was mandatory for evacuation. This became mandatory for Blaskowsky’s father especially because he must receive dialysis treatment due to kidney failure. 

Her father and stepmother left before the flooding became serious and went to West Chase, Texas to take refuge in a hotel room. Blaskowsky said they are doing fine and they’re sharing a room with some friends.

Her stepbrother is staying at the house in Houston with his dog and is doing fine as of Tuesday afternoon. Their house is two stories, so if flooding continues, her stepbrother has the option to go to the second floor and roof.

Their house is one of few houses on the block with a second floor, so they want to open the door for people to come over if they’re on their roofs and in need of shelter.

Blaskowsky is utilizing that slogan, “be someone,” more during this time because she can see her hometown community becoming one and supporting one another.

“If there’s anything I could challenge someone to do whether they’re in Houston or not is to be someone,” Blaskowsky said. “Be the best person you can be and that’ll take you a long way.”

As of now, the water is about five feet away from the house. There’s a prediction of rain coming over the next couple of days, so there’s a possibility that the house could be flooded on the first floor.

“Honestly, everything material-wise is replaceable,” Blaskowsky said. “You realize when this type of event happens that the only thing you care about is your family and friends because they aren’t replaceable.”

Blaskowsky has been in touch with friends and family almost every minute of the day. It’s simple texts between each other making sure everyone is safe.

Now, it’s a waiting process for Blaskowsky.

She needs to wait until the storms have passed and there’s an opportunity for her to go back to Houston. Once the chance comes, she’s taking it.

Blaskowsky doesn’t start her new job until Sept. 11, so she hopes to go back for a few days and help to the best of her abilities. Whether that’s moving furniture, tossing items away or putting sand bags in different locations, she wants to rebuild Houston again.

“I’m only one person, I know that,” Blaskowsky said. “But, I hope that I can help just a little bit to get my home back to normal.”

Unfortunately, Blaskowsky knows Houston will never be the same as before, but she’s hoping that the slogan “be someone” can have meaning for Houston natives and people all around the world.

The only thing Blaskowsky is asking people to do is pray. If people can’t make a trip to Houston to help, she just asks for prayers because those go a long way for her.

“It doesn’t have to be money, it doesn’t have to be clothes, it doesn’t have to be any of that,” Blaskowsky said. “If there’s one thing you can learn from the situation is be the best version of you because it’ll make the world a better place.”