Hannah Keyes Blog 1

My initial hopes and expectations for the trip are positive and optimistic. I expect to be working hard and hope that the work that I do will make a difference and will benefit others. I expect to be working inside of run-down houses that need maintenance so that people can have a home. I don’t know too much about the city of New Orleans itself other than the idea of Mardi Gras parades and the infamous French Quarter.
Although, I have some background of Hurricane Katrina and the impact it has had on NOLA. Through my FSP and by watching a movie with my fellow first year Bonners, I have come to learn about the devastation that the hurricane has had on certain states and areas within the US, especially in New Orleans. I was introduced to the concept of environmental racism and how people of color can be exposed to an unsafe environment, for the benefit of (more often than not) white people.
While in New Orleans I hope to learn about its history and to see both the good and bad aspects of the city. I know that it is meant to have some very historical and beautiful areas, however there are also some devastated areas. I would like to learn about how this has happened and why. I’m looking forward to seeing the transformation of the houses that we will work on. I am also looking forward to bonding with the other first year Bonners and chaperones. I am overall very hopeful and excited for our trip to NOLA!  

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