I knew I was going to love
living in New Orleans, ever since my first visit in January 2008 (on a two-week
trip to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity). It has that je-ne-sais-quoi,
a certain 'swag' that a lot of other US cities lack: surely due to its rich and
colorful culture, the warmth of its people (southern hospitality that is
reminiscent of our own version of hospitality back home in Senegal, “Teranga”),
its distinct type of music and architecture that remind me of Dakar and
Saint-Louis (after all, both New Orleans and Senegal were French colonies at
some point in time)…Whatever it is, this city has a lot to offer. However, I do not want to
romanticize New Orleans. Biking through the city everyday to class, I see
glimpses of a grimmer reality: high rates of poverty and unemployment.
Thus, I am so glad that the
masters program offers volunteering opportunities in order to get involved in
the community and gain better knowledge of local resources.
So far, I have had the
opportunity to volunteer twice during the month of September for Habitat for
Humanity along with some of my classmates, at two different locations:
Hollygrove and New Orleans East. I must admit that I was not prepared
(physically and mentally) for the hard work we had to do: digging under a
house to level the ground in order to avoid water from pooling, caulking,
painting and even installing insulation in the attic, all in the sweltering
heat.
Still, it was a rewarding
experience. I now have a better understanding of and appreciation for
the crucial role Habitat for Humanity continues to play in rebuilding New
Orleans after Katrina. I also had the opportunity
to meet and chat with the owner of one of the houses we helped build (she
was also there to help build her own house). Listening to her talk with such joy
about her future home (decoration ideas and housewarming party plans) and about
the safety of the neighborhood for her young daughter, made the volunteering
experience even more meaningful!
Volunteer hours
9/6/14 - 8 hours
9/13/14 - 8 hours
