Kimberly Jarquin Blog 2


The trip so far has definitely exceeded the expectations that I had prior to the trip. I knew that I was going to bond more with my Bonner class but I did not know how much closer we would become. Getting to see everyone everyday, instead of just for FSP, had made me very happy because I am learning new things about each person every day that we are in New Orleans. Some of the people that I have been talking to are the ones that I don’t usually see at school and who are not in my site for service during the semester. I can also say the same for the chaperones, I have never talked to many of them and now that I know who they are I can't wait to say hi to them whenever I see them on campus. The service aspect of the trip is also nothing that I expected. If someone had told me that I would be demolishing a house I would not believe them. Because of the rainy weather today, my group had to go to a different house in the area. At first I was confused on why we were helping to rebuild the house because it was not like the ones we have seen in the Lower 9th, this house was bigger and in a wealthier area. The house belonged to an 87 year old woman who went through contractor fraud twice when trying to rebuild her house. This was when I realized that the victims of Katrina who needed help were not only people with lower incomes but also people who have been through complications such as contractor fraud. Something that I noticed in New Orleans is the bond between the community. Getting to be here for the Saints game was great because everyone felt the sense of community and everyone coming together to support their team even though they lost. Before leaving, I would like to find out what the qualifications are for someone to receive help from SBP and get an Opportunity Home. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Freddie Hayeck Blog 1

I am very excited for my freshman trip to New Orleans with my Bonner class. Every upperclassman that attended has all said positive remarks about the trip, and I hear a common phrase that ‘it is one of the most fun experiences in Bonner’. That being said, I expect the trip to be one of the best experiences the Bonner program offers, to grow closer to my Bonner community, and to give back to an overlooked part of society. I have only spent a semester with my Bonner class, but I am really happy to be apart of it because we have already developed a strong community and friendship. This bond gives me the confidence that my trip to New Orleans will live up to, and even exceed, my expectations.   Towards the end of the fall semester, I learned about the impact Hurricane Katrina had on the poor and minority communities of New Orleans. I’ve seen the damage through a documentary and pictures, but it is always different to see it in person. To walk the streets of a neighborhoo
Read more

Jocelyne Guzman Blog 2

This trip was not what I expected or planned it to be. It has been so much more filling and a great experience so far. It is difficult because of school work to get our class together a lot of the times, so this has been such a great bonding experience as well. I have gotten to know those in my class even more and work and laugh with them. A challenge so far has been the work on the floors. It was very tedious but as a group we were able to get it done and it was such a great feeling. I would definitely like to get to know my class more and the history of Katrina and its impact.
Read more

Sofia Cartagena Blog 2

These first few days have been really enjoyable for me. Not only have I spent time bonding with my fellow first years more than I have this past semester, I’ve also gotten to know some of the chaperones a bit better. The time spent painting the siding of the house, trimming baseboards for the floor, and conversing with everyone was truly amazing. I am excited to see the final product of the house that displays all of our hard work and determination. After going on a tour of the city, we witnessed how even after 13 years the city has yet to be rebuilt. Throughout my experience thus far I have learned how resilient the residents of NOLA truly are. By having this opportunity to help build a house for a person who has, for example, not been able to return to NOLA since Hurricane Katrina is an uplifting and unforgettable experience.
Read more