During spring break, the Community Engagement program sponsored a week-long service learning trip to New Orleans. Eleven students and two faculty members immersed themselves in the city’s culture and worked with local service organizations to assist those still living in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Each day, the group worked at various sites—volunteering their time at local food pantries, an elementary school, a recycling center that employs adults with mental disabilities, and a horse rescue ranch. In each location, founders and directors of these organizations told their personal stories of overcoming obstacles and working to create positive change in their communities. The students also used their time in NOLA to learn about the culture and traditions—visiting the Backstreet Cultural Museum, touring Studio BE with activist and artist Brandan Odems, going on a swamp tour, meeting with documentary filmmaker and Milton alumna, Chloe Walters-Wallace, and (of course) walking through the famous French Quarter.
In their final reflections, students remarked on how much they had learned about NOLA, what it means to serve, and about themselves.
“It’s not that hard to be selfless sometimes and we should all have empathy for one another. When we do that, we are all happier.”
“Despite major setbacks like Katrina, there is always hope in strength, resilience and service. Sadly, there is still much work to be done after Katrina that is being ignored or forgotten by many. New Orleans culture is unique, fun and inspiring.”
“You really can be happy with what you have. There’s no need to always want more.”
“You learn that everyone needs each other; and you have to build up others to build yourself.”
Read the students’ blog from their time on the trip.