Notre Dame caught world attention after a fire broke out and destroyed one of France’s historical monuments April 15.

“I was super sad to hear about it and shocked when I saw the news, just because I’ve been to the Notre Dome several times,” French teacher Kathryn Schoen-Stevens said.  

The fire began in the afternoon after emergency calls were made about an unknown fire in the cathedral.

Although the fire did not destroy the entire cathedral, there was severe damages but plans to begin reconstruction are underway.

“It is one of the most important landmarks in Paris which not everybody realizes since everyone thinks it is the Eiffel Tower but it really represents the city and the history of the city,” Schoen-Stevens said.

Since the cathedral plays a major role in France’s history, French foreign exchange students were shocked.

“I was upset (and) I think we are all because it is an important monument of France,” French exchange student Mathilde Boissise said.

With the burning of the cathedral, Schoen-Stevens wants students to reflect on this historical moment that will become France’s history.

“We’ve looked at some videos together and articles about it and just asked what they’ve heard,” Schoen-Stevens said. “We just follow the news as it goes and talk about the reconstruction of the project which will be really cool.”

Schoen-Stevens hopes for the best for the reconstruction and for the people of France.

“I hope they’re able to start reconstruction soon and that everybody who plans to donate money actually goes through with it because otherwise, I don’t think the government will have enough money to put towards reconstruction,” Schoen-Stevens said.

Around a billion dollars has been raised since the fire.