Sofia Cartagena Blog 1

Going into this trip I am looking forward to developing stronger relationships with my Bonner Class. I’m looking forward to working with them on our SBP projects! I can’t wait to see the result of all of our hard work and determination. Prior to this trip, I learned in our FSP that FEMA underestimated the severity of the Hurricane Katrina that was headed towards NOLA, thereby sending only a quarter of available search and rescue teams to the region. Not only did they send a quarter of their available teams but they did not send any personnel to New Orleans until after the storm had passed. I hope while on the trip I’ll be able to gain understanding of how far New Orleans has come, years after Hurricane Katrina has passed, and how they have slowly been able to recover since. I’m looking forward to helping rebuild houses in the lower ninth ward with my fellow Bonner Community Scholars and others involved with SBP.

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

Alexandria Rudolph Blog 2

So far, the trip has lived up and exceeded my expectations. I have learned a lot about the city of New Orleans and have been able to explore it while still serving the 9th Ward community. I also have gotten closer to everyone in Bonner. Living with everyone and spending the day with all of my fellow Bonner students has given me the opportunity to rekindle friendships. The most surprising part of the trip so far was the ability to serve all day and still have the trip feel like vacation. Working till late afternoon gives me the opportunity to do a lot of work. Every night, there is something to do such as having free time in the French Quarter, playing games with my other Bonners, or even seeing a basketball game. I am able to appreciate the work I’m doing while still having some part of a vacation. Before the trip is over, I would like to learn a little more of the traditions and cultures of New Orleans such as how the French Quarter came to be or why Mardi Gras is a tradition.
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