Reflecting

After a week of classes now, I've had some time to reflect upon my experience in New Orleans. When the trip first started, I was a bit skeptical. After a 25 hour car ride and sharing one bathroom with 14 girls, I wasn't exactly in the highest of spirits. However, as the week progressed, all of those trivial things that we all complained about became insignificant and unimportant and I was able to understand what it really means to be a Bonner Scholar. After the first few days I thought to myself, "I could never chaperone this trip". However, as the week came to an end, my outlook had completely changed and now, I can't wait for the next opportunity to go back- I would go back in a heartbeat. From sitting on the levee to touring the city to meeting our home owner and working on his house, there were so many moments from this trip that not only made me more appreciative of life but also gave me a deeper meaning of service. For me, this trip was eye opening in that it makes me want to strive to do better within the Trenton community and do whatever I can, to the best of my ability, to make a  difference and leave my mark. I not only fell in love with the work that I did but I also fell in love with the city. It was just such a different atmosphere and learning about the city's culture was an amazing experience. Not only that, but getting to have all of the fun that I did with my closest friends made the whole trip even better. The beignets helped of couse too. Now that we are all back on campus and back in the hustle and bustle of things, I am more than excited to continue my service and to apply all that I learned in NOLA into the work that I do in the Trenton area.

My Wall

As weird as it sounds, one of the best memories of New Orleans was coming back to my work site one day and going back to a wall I had floated the day before. It was so smooth! All worry that I was holding on to at the beginning of the trip evaporated. For some reason I was so proud of that wall that I just stood there and rubbed it for a few seconds. It was a good feeling to see my hard work become actualized.

Meeting the Home Owners

When I first learned of our homeowner, it was on a scrap of paper. We received a full biography of Chiquita and her son Chase minutes before we arrived at our work site. The first two days were basic service: skimming, sanding, skimming again. But after the second day, the Chiquita and her son stopped by to see their nearly finished house. The work became real at that moment. I realized that the mindless work I had quietly complaining about in the back of my mind was stupid. I realized that because of the work I was doing, that boy would have a room all to himself right down the hall from his mother. I liked that feeling.

Heading to New Orleans

Before heading down to New Orleans, the one continuous idea that kept cycling through my head was the hope that I would not mess up. Don't get me wrong, I was excited to go do some top notch community service, but I ws hoping it was worthwhile. I did not want to do an adequate job on our site, I wanted to do an exceptional job. I wanted to look at the progress I had made throughout the week and be proud of how far my site had come, and to know how excited our home owners would be when they moved in. So I guess I was caught in a type of nervous excitement, tension coiled inside of my stomach ready to unravel after our 24 hour drive. I was ready to begin

Heading to New Orleans

Before heading down to New Orleans, the one continuous idea that kept cycling through my head was the hope that I would not mess up. Don't get me wrong, I was excited to go do some top notch community service, but I ws hoping it was worthwhile. I did not want to do an adequate job on our site, I wanted to do an exceptional job. I wanted to look at the progress I had made throughout the week and be proud of how far my site had come, and to know how excited our home owners would be when they moved in. So I guess I was caught in a type of nervous excitement, tension coiled inside of my stomach ready to unravel after our 24 hour drive. I was ready to begin

This is the end

As this trip comes to an end and we all enjoy this wonderful ride home, I have some time to reflect on the past few days in NOLA. First off, the last day of work was quite a bittersweet moment. It was sad to say goodbye to all the work we had put into the house over the 5 days of work. But as much as I would have loved to help finish and see the completion of Mr. William's home, I'm ready to take all that I've learned about service back to TCNJ and integrate it in my own Bonner site and work. Second, being able to see the city during the day was a completely different experience than just at night. As much as I loved the tours we did each day around different parts of the city, actually being able to walk around it on a beautiful day and experience more of the culture and food in a different setting was a great way to end the trip. I can't get enough of the beignets from Cafe du Monde- so good! As I sit here watching the sun rise in North Carolina, I'm thinking about what a great experience this really was and if I could, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Wendsday January 15th- Thursday January 16th, 2014

Work on the house has gone well. Old pictures were found inside of the chimney of the house, they were in perfect condition even after the flood and fire the previously distorted the house. The chimney's are over 100 years old. Mr. Williams was really happy to  see them. 

I'm glad to have the opertunity to serve in  New Orleans. It is obvious that it means something to the people that we're here helping to restore the community. It's warming to know that we're doing a service people appreciate.

Friday January 17th, 2014

Fun fact: the Circle food store had it's grand reopening today.

The culture in New Orleans is impressive. Today I went to a jazz club and sat for hours while the sousaphone kept the entire place dancing for hours. I loved the music, the vibe, and the people I was their with. It was  a complete New Orleans auditory experience. As a former band member I was able to appreciate the amount of work it takes to perform well, but in the end the hard work always payees  off. When people come together no task is impossible. Many of the problems that lie before us as a people are solvable. Education, finances, homelessness, gun control, ect.  are serious issues  that require for people to cooperate. One side of an issue or one political party needs the help of opposing views to create the strongest, most effective, best changes possible. Through debate flaws to ideas can be observed and corrected. In the scientific community many different scientist may research the same topic, but by sharing findings and allowing their peers to review findings disputable findings are challenged and more comprehensive work can be attempted due to the thorough nature of the field. This same approach is the key to solving the social problems that plague the world today. If we as individuals can resolve to think through solutions, be accepting of criticism, and make justice the goal of our actions then the issues of education, finances, homelessness, gun control, ect.  will notbe solved immediately, however they will be thoroughly  examined an equally thoroughly cured. Solved. Erased. Erradicated. Non issues. There are no easy solutions, the work will be arduous but the result will be complete. It is commonly said that anything worth doing is worth doing right. Is anything more worthy than social justice? NO! And for that reason we owe the world the complete Bonner experience.

Flexibility

Moving our site halfway through the week was not something I would have asked for. When we made progress on Chiquita's house, we developed a personal connection to that home and its story. Although I didn't want to leave that home, this trip isn't about me or my wants. We needed to move to a place where we could help the most and that's what we ended up doing. It is hard to step outside of your comfort zone, and it is hard to put others' needs in front of your own, but being flexible and willing to do what is asked of you is so crucial to service. I mean, if it were easy, we wouldn't need volunteers in the first place!

The end of an awesome week

The past week in NOLA has been the experience of a lifetime. Working with the other AmeriCorps members really gave me a deeper meaning of what it means to be a Bonner and do service. Although their entire life revolves around service, I gained a better insight of what it means to help people and give back to a community. Besides working at our house, the bonding experience I had with the rest of the freshmen and even the chaperones was awesome. I got to know everyone so much better and learned more about everyone's Bonner site and things I never would have guessed about everyone. Getting closer to the chaperones was definitely fun, however, it's sad to know some of the senior chaperones will be leaving after this semester. I definitely want to get to know everyone better throughout the rest of this year and hope to build better friendships with everyone. Hopefully this van ride back will help further solidify my friendship with everyone and continue to build lifelong relationships. I couldn't have been more happy about what this week has offered; I'm glad this trip finally came but I'm sad to see it end.

Last Night

As the trip draws to a close, I am very happy with my time here so far.  We have had a rewarding, fun work site where, even though we were here for only a short time, progress is visible.  I have also had the opportunity to learn things about the city and experience aspects of its culture that I either never experienced as a freshman or have since forgotten.

Between getting to know the freshman and other chaperones, efficient building, learning, and fun off-time in the city, this trip has been everything I could have hoped it would be.

January 17th

Today was the last work day of our time in New Orleans. The day was a bittersweet one. All were relieved knowing that there weren't going to have to wake up at 6am to prepare breakfast and head out. However, I noticed that I wasn't alone in being a bit upset at not finishing our initial goal (starting to paint by Friday). As my previous blogs moreso focused on disappointment, I will end with a good note! :)

It was great seeing the freshman class in its bonding experience with each other. With the help of working together at sites, eating beignets together, walking around the French Quarter, and spending time mixing up groups to spend time with one another, was an enriching site! I also really enjoyed the company of the other eight chaperones.

I had the pleasure of taking pictures and recording some footage to compose a 5-7 minute video about this year's New Orleans trip. Wait on it!

I also made a promise to myself that no matter what, I will return to New Orleans every two years! If New Orleans was a person, I'd tell him/her to hold me to it.

Peace.

B<3

January 15th - 16th

Midweek through our time here, we've been blessed to experience the "Swamp Tour" and made a visit to the levee that was destroyed by Katrina's flooding. The Swamp Tour was the first tour that I've experienced in any body of water; it was amazing. Our tour guide was knowledgeable enough to teach us about the history of the swamp from its mammal inhabitants to trade and those living around it. We were also able to spot a small alligator, which was the main focus of the tour.

The levee was a bit of a disappointment for me. The scene it set and the site both weren't the disappointment. The disappointment came from being reminded of how similar the height of the top of the levee was in comparison to the homes it towered. I was reminded that those who lived near the levee in any way lost a great deal, and if not, everything. However, out of the disappointment came encouragement. I was encouraged by the other Bonners' comments and dedication they shared in making a difference in only a five day span. It's people such as Bonners and those of the Saint Benard Project that will rebuild this city to be an even greater and prosporous one. 

Thanks guys. Your words mean more than you think they do, and your actions followed suit!

January 13th - 14th

Returning to New Orleans, this time as a chaperone has not only changed my perspective of New Orleans, but enhanced the experiences that I have had thusfar. Being one of nine chaperones, the aftermath of Katrina  is more heartbreaking when having to explain the details of the storm to the younger freshman; teaching others about the storm only opens my eyes even more to bigger pictures about the Katrina aftermath that I haven't noticed before. Little aspects such as long-term water damage, weak structural foundations, and toxic fumes that still are inhabitant in some houses seem to give no hope in a full recovery. I am glad to once again assist in rebuilding a home for one of the less fortunate to have lost EVERYTHING.

At our group's work site, we were able to meet our homeowner, Mr. Robert Williams, the first day of service. His story of loss and wreckage encourages my spirit in helping to rebuild his home. Mostly, we were able to get some mudding, flooring, and floating done, while having a goal to start the primary paint coat around the house sometime Friday. Let's try to make it happen!

NOLA Driving Tour

Driving Tour

Lower 9th Ward - Levee  

Florida Ave Bridge

Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle

Chalmette, LA - Site of Krystal's Uncle's Old House 

Touro Street Team - With the Homeowner, Mr. Williams

Pre-Trip & Swamp Tour

TCNJ Bonner and NOLA

TCNJ Bonner has traveled to New Orleans at least 11 times to continue helping with the rebuilding efforts. Each time we bring a new group of students down, the city never fails to embrace the group and help each person grow and fall in love with New Orleans. 

I am no exception to this spell, as this is my 14th time here. Each time I arrive back in the city it feels more and more like a second home. I have good friends, favorite places to go, and there is always a something new to learn or experience when I am here.

One of my favorite things to do though is watch the students on the trip learn new things about themselves and each other. Listening to them reflect about meeting a homeowner and the tour of the city always reminds me of why we do this trip every year. After our home state was hit by Sandy, we all spent time reflecting on the purpose of this trip and if we are still doing the right thing my traveling down each year. For me, our commitment to help rebuild New Orleans goes hand in hand with our commitment to help rebuild New Jersey. We would not want those helping in NJ to forget about us and homes still not be rebuilt 8 years after the storm, so we won't do that to New Orleans. While some may have forgotten, there are still many, many people here working to get residents back into their homes. When we get back to New Jersey, the hope is that we will continue the efforts with TCNJ's Here for Home campaign and inspire even more people to join the effort. 

So far, the students have worked on two different houses, mudding and preparing the drywall for paint in both places, they have ripped up floors and helped with other projects. Along with the building efforts, the students went on a swamp tour, a driving tour of the city, into the French Quarter, out for some delicious New Orleans food, and spent lots of time bonding with each other. 

Hopefully you are enjoying the blog posts from the Bonners and getting that glimpse into what it is like to be on this trip for them! 

I will be posting pictures soon too!! 

Janice E. – Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Since I’ve been in New Orleans, I like what I see. The people are absolutely wonderful! They’re friendly, very welcoming, and thankful for the work we’ve come here to do. It really makes me feel that the time and effort I’m putting into helping build the house is useful and appreciated. I look forward to the rest of the week because with it comes the end of my work on the house and I can continue to interact with the townspeople and enjoy their beautiful city.

- Janice E.

Janice E. – Pre-Trip Thoughts – 1/9/2014

I’ve never been to New Orleans before so I am greatly excited to be granted this wonderful opportunity! I am looking forward to arriving in New Orleans and taking in the tremendous amount of places, people, and experiences this aching city has to offer me. This is going to be not only a great trip, but one that holds great value and meaning to me.

- Janice E.

Jennine E.- Wednesday, January 15, 2014

I’ve been here for about four days now and I really love the city and its’ residents. I was given the opportunity to meet the owner of the home that I have been helping to rebuild and he reminds me of what my grandpa would have been like had he lived past seventy: very humble, respectful, loving, and sweet. I’m enjoying the city but I’m really enjoying the work I’m doing more because I’m learning more life skills and how to mud a wall and demo floors. It’s life altering and I love it.

- Jennine E.

Larissa D. - Wednesday, January 15, 2014

This is the start of the 3rd day of work here at NOLA and I'm still excited to head to the work sites. I was worried that the work would be boring and tedious but I actually find mudding fun and challenging, despite the messiness. I want to keep going back and getting better at the job. Even the site supervisors are fun people to be around and I enjoy getting to know them on the site.

I think the major motivation for me to keep going back and doing the hard work is the homeowners great grand daughter. She came by with her  mom and the homeowner and walked around the house. When she came back out she said she liked the house and she couldn't wait to move in. She was so adorable! We promised her we would work hard on her house so it could be finished sooner so the homeowner and his great grand daughter can finally move in!

- Larissa D.

Melody H. - Wednesday, January 15, 2014

I can't believe its already been the third day of service here. During the past few days, its been amazing experiencing NOLA-- from eating in the French Quarter to walking on the levees. But more importantly its been incredible working with my friends rebuilding a house. I learned mudding and many other new skills. My fears of standing on the higher rung of the ladder have to be set aside when I mud screw holes on the 10foot ceiling.

Despite the hard work we do on our sites everyday, seeing the homeowner and his family and their obvious appreciation makes it all worth it. Seeing these people who have lost their houses and sense of community and safety during Katrina, yet still being filled with cheerfulness and optimism encourages me in my own life.

- Melody H.

Kerry F. – Pre-Trip Thoughts

Looking forward into this trip, I'm excited for a multitude of things. This is only my second time off f the east coast, so I'm excited to see the atmosphere of the midsouth. I'm excited to see what the weather is like, and how the people speak. I can't wait to meet people, taste food, and truly embrace the New Orleans culture.

I'm also beyond excited to see the home I'll be working on. I've never done any sort of construction work of worked on a home so I can't wait to learn. I would love to meet my homeowner and hear her story. I also can't wait to see the lower ninth ward, and see the disparity between that area of the city and the French quarter.

Overall I anticipate this trip to be life changing, and I can't wait to start my week!

- Kerry F. 

Carissa M. - Wednesday, January 15, 2014

So far I've really enjoyed the trip! It is going so fast and I have acquired so many skills I had previously known nothing about. I loved seeing the old pictures of the homeowners and meeting all the different generations of there family.  Getting to know the area has been really cool because Brit and Kayla know so much about the history of the storm but also the ins and outs of the city. I also have loved trying the common foods! So far I've tried jambalaya and gumbo. I've had a lot of fun so far and I can't wait to continue building and making progress.

- Carissa M.

Krystal R. - Wednesday, January 15, 2014

So for the past couple of days, we've been doing tours around NOLA. One experience that really has touched me was going to my uncle's old lot. My uncle was a NOLA cop for many years and when the storm came he left. Going back to his lot was very eye opening, it made the work that I'm doing real. I'm working on a 86 year old man's home.  He lost his home in Katrina, rebuilt it, and then in 2012 it burned to the ground. It is an awesome experience to be able to rebuild this man's home and life. This trip has made Katrina a much more real, personal experience.

-Krystal R.

Julia L - Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Over the past few days, my experience in New Orleans thus far has been interesting to say the least. With the excitement of the city and the challenges of living so close with everyone, I've been having the experience of my life.

After two days of service I am already enjoying the work I am getting to do. Hearing the story of Mr. Williams, the homeowner, made me really motivated to do the best work possible. For an 86 year old man who lost his house during Katrina, just a month after his wife died, and again last year from a fire, this man deserves an awesome house to finally go home to. Its so cool to have been given this opportunity to help change someone's life while simultaneously learning handy skills I've never had before.

I'm determined to learn more over the next few days and can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings.

- Julia L. 

Monday January 13th- Tuesday January 14th 2014

The devistation in the city is rampant

A rancid stench hangs by the water

A symbol of a purity slaughter

With the passing blocks it becomes clear

With no houses in the read view mirror

It is clear rebuilding has just begun.

The church bell rings with a resounding don't

New Orleans stands still strong

The people make the city

And they return for their second life kitty

Volunteers come in droves too

So much work to complete but where to start

It's hard to see that you're doing your part

But the labor makes a diffrence

A labor of love is a labor worth bearing.

Hammering Tiles on Work Day 2

Yesterday was a great day on the work site at Mr. Williams' (Buddy's) home. I and others broke up and removed old, rotted tiles, and I had a ton of fun and learned a lot in the process. 

For example, as I voraciously hammered away at the floor and chatted with one of our site leaders, Chelsea, I learned that part of the reason that the floors and sub flooring in Buddy and others' homes took so much damage was not just the quantity of water that flooded in and sat, but also the content. The sewage and bacteria that spread across the city contributed greatly to the kind of long term damage that continues to haunt so many people in the ninth ward and the rest of New Orleans. 

Buddy brought some family to the site, including his great granddaughter, and I felt to humbled to meet them. I felt humbled to talk with the people whose home I was working on, even if I've only done some mudding demoing this far. It's an incredible feeling to make progress on rebuilding someone's home, knowing the hardships they've faced, understanding the social, historical context of the situation, and connect it all together. 

Meeting the Homeowner

The weekend that we arrived in New Orleans was mostly spent touring the city, walking around the French Quarter, going on a swamp tour and mainly touristy things. While I had a great time exploring New Orleans and really getting a feel for the city, the main reason we're here is to work closely with the St. Bernard Project and rebuild homes and lives after Hurrican Katrina.

When I first got my homeowner's story, that's when the level of devastation that still exists even after eight years really hit me. In 2012 his home, newly built after Katrina, burnt down and once again, he was left without a home. Reading his story really motivated me all throughout the first day of construction, which I really needed after a rough day with my first experience mudding.

Also, I was surprised when on the first day, we met the homeowner and his family. His three year old great granddaughter stopped by after school and simply asked, "Are you building my home for me?" Sitting there in her matching pink boots and backpack, she was the cutest little girl ever and to be able to say yes, we're building your home for you and then see her excitement was just an amazing moment.

Day 3 Reflection

After 5 days in New Orleans and 2 days at the worksite, I have fallen in love with the city. 

The French quarter was completely different than I expected, and so much better. The iron gates, balconies, and cobblestone streets were different than any city I've ever seen. I sang karaoke, tried on masquerade masks, and seen a jazz park on bourbon street. I also tried my first beignet from cafe du monde and my first poboy !

The house I am working on is an electric blue townhouse that is very far along; the homeowners are expected to move in in two weeks ! I have been mudding, sanding, and priming the home. I had the pleasure of meeting Chiquita, the homeowner, and her son Chase. They were beyond grateful to have us there, and it made the work we were doing so much more real and meaningful. 

I can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings! 

Agony, Fear, and Reward

Today is the beginning of the third day of work. I've come to terms that mudding and sanding is the bane of my existence, and I'm hoping today I'll finally be able to start priming and painting. Something amazing happened yesterday; as my team and I finish up the remaining work for the day, Laura, our chaperone, turns off the music and exclaims the homeowner is here. It was one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences of my life. Chiquita walks in, clearly exhausted from her long day of work, with her son in his school uniform. Despite this, she was extremely warm, welcoming, and extremely thankful. Her son was one of the most respectful children I've ever met, he walks in and immediately introduces himself and shakes our hands. It makes me proud to know that I'm helping a respectful and kind family. New Orleans has been an amazing and awe inspiring experience. Yesterday, I stared one of my greatest fears in the face as I walked across the levees. I don't think I've ever felt more emasculated in my life as I saw Laura and other girls sprint across the levees while I slowly teetered taking baby steps. It was certainly an experiences. I can't wait to see what the rest of the week has in store for me.

Two Days Down

So far we have been on-site with St. Bernard's Project for two days (this afternoon will be our third).  We are split into two sites, and our project has been mudding.  We are making good progress and our supervisors expect this process to be finished by Friday.  There are two main things I want to discuss in this blog.

First, we met our home owner and learned his story.  He is an 86 year old great-grandfather who moved to New Orleans in 1940 and has lived here since.  The month before the storm, his wife passed away and he reluctantly evacuated before the storm.  A few years after the storm, which completely destroyed his house, re-construction was in the final stage and nearing completion when a fire occurred and the entire house was back to square one.  Meeting him and hearing this devastating story was a great experience and he was very nice and grateful.  We also had the opportunity to meet his daughter, grandson, and great grand daughter.

The second thing I wanted to discuss is the difference between this week and my freshman year.  While parts of the city (specifically blocks in the 9th ward) are still empty and have yet to be rebuilt, the progress in the past years is noticeable.  Sometimes you lose sight of the fact that "just mudding" for a week is important.  When you only see one tiny piece of building a house it's sometimes hard to see your importance but when you see the cumulative work of all these volunteers who "just" did this or "just" did that it reminds you that it all adds up.  The St. Bernard's project has completed over 500 houses with the majority of that work being done by volunteers which shows that the little bit we accomplish in a week adds up and helps rebuild the city of New Orleans.

NOLA Adventure!

So we have now been in New Orleans for four days and each day has been incredible. The city of New Orleans is rich with history and has a culture that does not compare to any other city I have been to in the US. The experience of getting to help rebuild someone's home has also been fantastic and eye opening. I have a newfound grateful for having a roof over my head every night; it's a daily comfort that many people here still do not have eight years after their homes were destroyed by Katrina. The homeowner of the house I have been working on has been through so much, and I feel blessed to get to do something to make her home complete again. I cannot wait to continue exploring this beautiful city and to help rebuild a home!

The pursuit for home

Every time I come back to New Orleans I gain a new perspective about the storm and a respect for the people of the city. Yesterday my site had the opportunity to meet the homeowner of the house we are working on. The joy on Mr. Williams face is evident. He has been through a lot and is now just looking to go into his new home to slow down and "eat a pot of red beans." This is the second time he has lost his home, yet he still is a prominent figure within the community. His daughter was telling us how everyone in the neighborhood knows exactly who he is and looks forward for him to move back into the community. I look forward to continue to help him in his pursuit to be home! 

- Gabby 

Meeting Our Homeowner

Our first few days of service have been truly excellent. Not only did we already get the satisfaction of finishing skimming and moving on to priming, but we also got to meet our homeowner and her son. Speaking to Chiquita about her experiences makes the experience that much more real and meaningful for us and I think it will make our service even better.

I have been so impressed by the motivation and excellent work the first year students are doing. They are driven and thoughtful and I am so enjoying watching them grow.

Newfound Hope

It's hard to believe we are already half way through our work week here in NOLA. Time seems to progress more and more quickly every year that I come down here. And although this is my third time serving in the city of New Orleans, I am already learning more each day. 

So far, the most striking of experiences for me has been one that hits me every time. Every year we drive through the lower ninth ward and I am struck by the emptiness. The remnants of blocks of houses filled with overgrown grass or manicured lawns, old foundations or ruins of houses, have always defined that drive in my memory. This year however I was shocked at the progress that had been made. While it was still very empty, there was a significant increase in the number of houses on each block. It was very nice to be able to, for once, not feel completely defeated, but rather see a glimmer of hope.

Moments Away

Hey guys! So I am super excited about this trip!! From eating Louisiana style food in Philly to getting a preview of the work we'll be doing when helping in the Middletown-- I could not be more excited for all of the adventures we will have in NOLA. Now that we are just about to depart on our journey, I am beginning to think about all the fun and service that is to come. I can't wait to help make a difference within the New Orleans community and gain a deeper meaning of service. I also can't wait to experience the culture and nightlife of the city all the while developing a deeper bond with all the Bonners! NOLA here we come!

Today is the Day!!!

I can't believe today we are heading out to New Orleans!  I am super excited to finally leave for the 24 hour trip!  I have two snack bags packed...hopefully that will be enough!  I can't wait to see all of the different areas of the country on the ride down.  I am also really excited to see New Orleans!  I have heard so many cool things about the city!  I'm so happy to get to share this experience with my close friends I made first semester.  It's really great getting to see all of my friends again.  This will be a trip I will never forget!

Adventurous Spirit

Throughout Winter Break I developed quite an odd sleep schedule, so being wide awake at 2 in the morning is actually the norm for me, not just due to restlessness for the amazing trip only hours ahead of us.

Anticipating NOLA has built up so much excitement and wonder for me. I've never been to Louisiana, or Alabama, or South Carolina, or so many of the amazing places we'll see. I remember seeing Katrina's devastation on television as a child and reading about the horrors so many people faced in its aftermath. I feel privileged to know that I will soon have the opportunity to serve the relief effort for a community with yet so many unmet needs, to meet people who bore those struggles, to learn their stories and share in the culture and spirit of the city.

There's a great spirit to travels and journeys, well-documented in literature, film etc., and this is perhaps my first real, significant... adventure of the like. I can't wait, and I'm beyond excited to share it with my fellow Bonners.

See you all later today.

1:12 in the morning

Hello all,

Okay so packing is pretty much over.  Hardest part was definitely stuffing all my cloths into one bag but I made it work. Super pumped for New Orleans. Whoo! I'm looking forward to getting my hands dirty and helping to BUILD A HOUSE! It's just amazing to think that whatever small part of the work we can accomplish this week will lead to something substantial, and hopefully relatively permanent. As preparation for this trip I've been watching Treme on HBO and eating home made beignet, now I'm  so ready to experience the real thing. Good night, and see everybody later today.

Pre-NOLA Trip Excitement

Tomorrow we will be headed down to New Orleans. I am very excited about this opportunity! While in New Orleans we will be helping with Katrina relief. In November I had the opportunity through Bonner to help with Sandy relief in Northern New Jersey, and it was an incredible experience. The owner of the house was literally in tears when she saw the van pull up full of volunteers from TCNJ who had come for the day to help in anyway they could with reconstructing her house. Everyone worked extremely hard; everywhere you looked you could see people breaking up giant blocks of cement with sledgehammers, carrying trash to the dumpster out front, or raking up the tree branches and garbage that was all over the yard. Through our combined efforts, the yard was completely cleared of all the rubble and debris that had cluttered the yard when we arrived. It was the most rewarding feeling to spend that whole day helping her and her family, and I am looking forward to do that again for another family during our time in New Orleans!

A ballad before the road...

A ballad about Dj and my expectations for New Orleans…

Nola bound here we go,

The van ride down will be quit a show,

No doubt, turning up the stereo!

A Bonner tradition,

All freshmen gain admission,

Meaningful service comes to fruition!

Our third trip with Saint Bernard,

Always expecting to work hard,

As chaperones we won’t let down our guard!

(That one’s for you Paula)

Friendly people on every corner,

Makes the culture even warmer,

Every trip just as fun as the former!

Always expecting something new,

As Chaperones we're learning too, 

Freshmen Bonners we can't wait to get to know you!

Excited for the trip to be here,

Bonner Staff should have no fear, 

This Lauda won't be hitting any deer!

~DJ and Gabby 

NOLA..

I've never blogged before but I am a really simple person so I would like to keep this very short and simple: I am genuinely excited to travel to New Orleans and assist with the rebuilding of not only a family's home but a family's life.

NOLA 2014

As our Bonner trip to New Orleans quickly approaches I am becoming more and more excited.  As a senior chaperone, I have not been to New Orleans since my freshman year but it remains one of the most valuable and rewarding things I have done as a Bonner.

There are a few things I look forward to most as I finish preparing for the trip.  First, is being back in the city itself.  I remember it being so different from any other city I have been to and can not wait to return and experience the food, nightlife, and people again.  Also, one of the best things about the trip my last time was how close I got to the other freshman as well as the chaperones.  I look forward to spending time with my fellow Bonners and getting to know them better.  Lastly, I look forward to the service.  The type for work we do in New Orleans is so different from the tutoring I typically do with Bonner at TCNJ and I love the chance to work in a group on a week-long project while helping serving a community that, years later, is still in need.

Pumped for NOLA

Hey Bonners!

We're now only two days away from NOLA and I could not be more excited (and also a bit nervous). I think it's safe to say that my experience with construction is pretty limited. However, knowing that we, as a group, are going to be making a huge impact on one homeowner's life gives me certainty that even though I have limited experience, I'll be able to quickly learn new skills with the help of my Bonner team and make positive change within the lower ninth ward of New Orleans (even if it means one house at a time).

With that being said, I'm not really sure what to expect. What I've seen of the destruction from hurricane Katrina was only through pictures on the internet and on T.V. Witnessing the devastation and destruction caused by hurricane Katrina, even now in 2014, will definitely be an eye-opener. After this trip, I'm certain that I will have matured and that I will be able to return to TCNJ with a renewed sense of what my role is as a Bonner community scholar for promoting social justice not only locally, but on a national and even international level.

Also, how can I forget to mention how incredibly excited I am to be spending 25-26 hours in a van with my friends! Okay, maybe only 5-6 of those hours will be exciting and then I'll be pulling out the iPod and the books. All kidding aside though, I think the rides to and from New Orleans will be a great way for us to reconnect after spending three weeks apart when for the past semester we've spent every waking moment with each other. I think that the team bonding we'll achieve through the 25-26 hour drive will prepare for the immense teamwork needed to work efficiently and effectively with the St. Bernard Project.

Well, here's to NOLA 2014!

Countdown to NOLA

Sitting here, freezing in 8 degree weather, I jump at the chance to head towards warmer weather. But the escape from blistering cold New Jersey isn't the only reason I'm excited for NOLA 2014.

It's been a pretty comfortable winter break, filled with happy reunions and holiday festivities accompanied by piles of desserts. It's been a nice few weeks lying in bed for hours on end, complacent with the lack of pressing errands or homework to complete.

The thought of returning back to the chaotic blur that is life during the school year is a bit scary. The delicate act of juggling many priorities while still getting enough sleep and social life in is something I've forgotten since December 16th.

But thankfully instead of wasting away the last 10 days of my break in bed or stuffing my face with Chipotle, I will have the opportunity to travel to New Orleans and serve.

This past semester as a Bonner, I usually stayed in my comfort zone: working with kids inside and outside of the classroom. But during the next 10 days, I will be challenged with doing hands on, construction work and manual labor.

I am excited because that will be so many new experiences to learn and grow from. Thankfully, I will be surrounded with fun but responsible friends who will keep me company on the long car ride, prevent me from potentially amputating myself with any tools and be an example to me as they serve alongside with me. And of course, traveling to another state and a vibrant city is always a highlight.

Now, the only thing between me and New Orleans is my attempt to fit everything I need for the trip in one duffel bag...