A week after NOLA, finally back to email

I have been out of both cell phone and email range for the past week and while that has kept me from posting to this blog sooner, it has also given me the space to reflect on my experiences in New Orleans. What stands out most to me is the way in which good, honest work has a way of building upon itself. While fetching chairs from the cavernous and overflowing attic at Dibert, I noticed some plastic storage units. Suddenly, I had the new, self-appointed task of distributing these precious commodities to the middle school classrooms. One of the storage units contained a pile some hundred deep of blank envelopes which would now need to go to the office. While carrying those down, I noticed that the borders in the third grade classroom were not done and so another project emerged. With open eyes and the honest desire to help as much as possible, work kept popping up. I began to find the lunch break somewhat annoying--there was so much more to do!

I would also echo Eunice's observation that we, as a group, worked very well together. So well and so efficiently that, as she reported, we exhausted the plans they had for us the first day. Next year, I think they will do well to overestimate all that Team NLU can do when given the chance.

As I mentioned to Karen over dinner one time, before this trip, I lacked experience in volunteer work. Perhaps incongruously, given my desire to teach, I have not historically been drawn to volunteer. So, why NOLA? Why this trip? Quite simply, the opportunity to travel to New Orleans and help prepare schools for the young people soon to arrive combines that for which I feel deep passion--teaching and schools--with a city that is simply magical in its pull. It may be the case that other volunteer opportunities did not combine the content and location so perfectly as this service-learning trip. Suffice it to say that I already plan to go back next year--as long I can be on Eunice's trip.

And, lastly, I realize that there are complexities involved in travelling to a city that has been devastated by natural/human-made disasters with the goal of "helping out." Such a trip can be undertaken with a downward glance and false sympathy that hides the truer sentiment, "I'm glad it wasn't me." Or the journey to learn and help can be taken with humility and the openness of spirit which I felt during our time in the crescent city. On the first night of our trip, I travelled out to Uptown for a yoga class and the owner of the studio mentioned that his brothers had attended Dibert in the 80's and that our work was greatly appreciated. He said that we should keep coming back. I agree.

A Humbling Experience

This was my second trip to NOLA, and it really opened my eyes to the complexity of their educational system right now. NOLA's public education system is run 60% by charter schools and 40% by public schools. The school we volunteered at was called John Dibert School and was located in the Mid City area. This school was run by the public system at one time, but then got turned into a charter school. The volunteer work that we did at John Dibert was phenomenal. We set up furniture, classrooms, made classroom materials, organized closets, set up whiteboards, and also created life-long relationships with eachother. During this trip I also had the opportunity to visit the Ninth Ward. Even though there are families that have come back to rebuild their homes, many still stand vacant and destroyed in the area. I also had the opportunity to see the new levee and to be really honest it's higher than the old levee, but not by much. I hope and pray that another Katrina doesn't happen because I don't know if the new levee will hold much more than the old levee did. Apparently Brad Pitt is trying to rebuild homes in the area. His goal is 150, but right now there are only 20. These homes are "green" and more energy efficient, but apparently cost 300,000 as a whole. No wonder many people aren't flocking to get their homes rebuilt. I couldn't even afford that home, and most likely the families that used to live in the ninth ward can't afford the upkeep of a house like that either. I think it's great what Brad Pitt is doing, but I wish he could make the homes a little more affordable especially since our economy isn't doing so great right now. I plan to go again to NOLA next summer and keep "paying it forward."

The Flowers of our Labor

3 times, 3 different experiences

So, we went and returned. Can't say that I'm glad to be back (except that today, Monday, in Chicago the weather is blissful). I miss my new friends. I enjoyed the pleasant way our 17 volunteers interacted. It's not too often you can get three (maybe even 2) strangers to live and work together let alone 17! I love every one of you. Thanks for making our trip so easy. :)

As for John Dibert School, I know they are happy we were there. When we arrived on Monday morning, the list of our assignments was rather small. They didn't know who we are. We set about our tasks with good effort and good will. We were finished quickly, looking for more to do. We cleaned a little room and made it nice enough for teachers to use as a work room. We helped ready the library, pre-k facility, and all the classes to receive the students. By the end of the week, we were working with teachers putting packets together, leveling books, sorting teaching materials, putting lettering and reading aids on walls. Three of us were given the task of assigning pick-up stops on bus routes.

Along the way, we talked with new teachers and shared techniques and stories. I learned all the new programs have one thing in common, boost the students self esteem, you improve their focus and goals. It's not new, but nice to see that they are using it in the new schools.

Our tour of the lower 9th Ward with Tony as our guide revealed the progress Brad Pitt's project is making. Tony couldn't get over the fact that "white people" would be the ones to step up to help. Anyway, the project is amazing and I hope that it is competed soon so he can add more to it.

For me, going to New Orleans and helping get ready for the new school year, is a good way to give back for all the good fortune I have encountered in my life. I am always warmed by the good people I meet and reassured that there is more good in the world than the newspapers would have us believe.

Reflection

Ahhhhh, home again, home again. Let me say, it has been a whirlwind of a week......I am glad to be home......but I now also have time for a little reflection. I really have so many things to say about our trip to New Orleans. I will try to be brief, however, I want everyone to realize the impact a trip like this can change our personal perspective of life.

The flight to New Orleans was in general uneventful. It took about 2 hours. I closed my eyes and in an ever so brief moment......we reached our destination.

The weather: hot, hot, hot.....and humid, humid, humid! It was Sunday afternoon, we had the day to ourselves to get familiar with the territory. The group decided to meet at the Gumbo Shop for a quick, delicious lunch; then on to the French Market to see what was happening in the quarter. There was so much activity in the heart of the French Quarter that we really didn't have time to notice the heat, just the hustle and bustle and live music playing on almost every street corner. What a lively city......and ever so diverse! It was brought to our attention that there was a Satchmo festival going on at the Old US Mint.....we had to go and check it out. The music was lively and fun. There were many people enjoying the festivities, having a drink or sharing a treat. After our time at the festival, we found ourselves wandering back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. We enjoyed a wonderful seafood meal at the Crazy Lobster.... then early to bed to prepare for our 1st busy day at John Dibert school.

Monday: Our first challenge was to find the correct trolley that would take us to John Dibert school in Mid City. Actually, with the guidance of some "old timers" (volunteers who had been on the NOLA trip before).....we found the school with the greatest of ease! As we entered the school telling everyone who were were and where we were from, it was astounding to see the reactions of these warm hearted NOLA natives. Everyone we spoke to expressed their gratitude and appreciation of our generosity.....however, we had not done any work yet! What a gracious group of people! Our first day of work was rather unique. I don't think the people of New Orleans realize how hard people from Chicago work. Every time we would finish a job.....they seemed shocked that we were done with a project. We all had our assignments, and we all just jumped in and did what we were told. I think the first day they ran out of jobs for us to do because they didn't know we would work so quickly. Many jobs were accomplished that day.......classrooms designed, storage closets cleaned, supply cabinets reorganized, rooms painted and packets made for the students. We accomplished a lot......so back to the hotel for a shower and another outstanding dinner (I must say......the people of New Orleans really know how to cook!) Dinner at Crescent City Brewery boasted another seafood delight. Early to bed.....another busy day ahead......

Tuesday: Another wonderful day at John Dibert school. So many appreciative people. Even the students were stopping us to thank us for our help! More organizing, planning, designing, painting, constructing and in general......helping. I will say they were more prepared for us on Tuesday....the list seemed to keep growing. After work this day, some of the volunteers decided to take the trolley to a grave yard. What a cool place to visit! Along the way we visited a memorial for unidentified Katrina victims. That place will run chills up your spine! It was however, a true example of the people of New Orleans......they felt compelled to create a memorial for those who had no one, could not be identified.....but, they will not be forgotten. It brought tears to my eyes! Dinner at Port of Call this evening. Port of Call is a local pub with the best hamburgers and baked potatoes I have ever had the opportunity to eat! Early to bed........

Wednesday: Again.....another wonderful day at John Dibert school. At this point we were beginning to know more about the locals, people who relocated to New Orleans after Katrina, and about our fellow volunteers. We were starting to get a real feel for the people of New Orleans, why it has been so difficult to regroup from Katrina, and why there hospitality is so genuine. Their stories of the struggles they have endured helped me to understand why everyone is so appreciative of our help and of everything good in their lives. Their stories are sad, but also heartwarming and genuine. What a kind, loving people! After work this day, some of the group decided to take a tour to the lower 9th district. This area was hit the hardest by Katrina. It is also where the levees broke. Tony (our tour guide) told us all about the levy breaking - how and why. He showed us places that used to be blocks of homes.....prairies now. When the levees were rebuilt, they were pushed back quite a distance.....areas that used to be blocks of homes are now inside the new levy. As we drove up and down the streets you could see plots of land with only a cement stoop....the house was totally washed away - no sign of anyone ever being there - except for the stoop. There are houses that are still boarded up....moldy and rotting....waiting to be torn down and rebuilt. Tony told us how people were taken by boat to the highway where they were being flown out of the state.....expected to survive where ever that plane landed. Tony was shipped off to Minneapolis......a little cold for his taste.....he lost everything....but at least he survived. He took us to the community that Brad Pitt is revitalizing. That area was scheduled to have 20 new homes built....that number has amazingly been raised to 50. The scary part is that the levees are still right behind these homes........even though the levees were built a little higher....Tony said that last year, the water overflowed the levees during hurricane Gustav. The tour was very informative. It helped me put a perspective on what really happened to the people of New Orleans during Katrina. It breaks my heart to hear some of the stories, but I am so proud of these people for being survivors! Off to Ralph and Kacoo's for a seafood dinner.....early to bed.

Thursday: Flood watch today.....school is closed, no volunteers allowed - the school was locked down. The group decided to meet at a place called Cafe Reconcile. It is a not for profit organization that helps drop out students learn a trade (waiter/waitress, host/hostess, chef.) The food was fantastic and it was exciting to visit a place that helps inspire and teach young people a trade. It is encouraging to find a facility like this that will help idle youth become successful. The rain was relentless so it was imperative to return to the hotel for a quick change of clothes before venturing out into town. Of course a visit to Cafe DuMonde for coffee and Beignet's is a must - for anyone who visits NOLA....so to tide us over until dinner......we had a little snack! Dinner at Landry's - I totally recommend the red fish! Not an early night tonight.....off to Bourbon street (you have to see it once).....tons and tons of people and live music in every bar. Too noisy for me.....however, we did find a very nice jazz band.....listened to a few songs......then, home to bed.

Friday was our last day at John Dibert school. Many of the volunteers were finishing up projects we had been working on during the week. 4th thru 8th grade students had already started classes. Monday was the first day of school for all classes to be in session. We spent most of the day helping the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade teachers finish preparing their classrooms. When the day was done, I think all the volunteers felt a sense of accomplishment. We did make a difference....and the teachers, parents and students appreciated our assistance. I learned so much about human behavior this week. It just amazes me how people who have suffered and lost so much, can be so kind, generous and gracious. I saw no bitterness, jealousy or anger. Just a true sense of thankfulness for every act of kindness. I really wish the people in our own communities could be as warm and kind as the people of New Orleans. I was sad to leave John Dibert school.....but like I said, there was a sense of accomplishment.....and a sense that I did make a difference. I left with a great big smile on my face. Everyone met for one last dinner together. We met at Red Fish. Overpriced and mediocre food at best. The only meal I can actually say I did not enjoy in NOLA. Early to bed......have to get up early for our flight home.

Now that I am home....I can honestly say this has been one of the best weeks of my life. I helped people who genuinely needed and appreciated my assistance. This community service project helps the volunteers appreciate what they can do for others. It is about working together for the greater good of the community. It helps us to feel like we are a part of something....something meaningful and good. I cannot say enough good things about this experience. It has helped me to grow as a person, learn as an educator and appreciate as all humans should! I am honored that I have had the chance to be a part of this wonderful project - NOLA!!!!!

Cottage Pictures & Library

What a great experience. The teachers and staff at Dibert School were so appreciative of our effots; but I feel like we were the real beneficiaries of our time at Dibert. As a pre-service teacher, I was able to observe and take in a wide variety of tips and ideas for my own classroom one day.

The school-wide emphasis on the values of Focus, Integrity, Respect, Self-Determination, and Teamwork are worked in to almost every aspect of the curriculum. What a great example the teachers and staff are setting for these children by encouraging them to take ownership of these values and make them a part of everything they do. I truly believe that someday, whether it is a mandatory part of the school curriculum or not, I will take what I learned from this experience, and incorporate values into my own curriculum in the future. And for this, I will always be thankful to Dibert School for having us.

There is so much debate over the charter school movement in this country-- especially in cities like New Orleans, Detroit, and Chicago. After traveling here to New Orleans and spending a week at Dibert, there is no doubt in my mind that charter schools create a solution of hope and progress for neighborhoods where safe, clean, and productive learning environments may not be available for children.

A couple of thoughts on New Orleans:

After having Beignets, I will never be able to enjoy a doughnut the same way,

I have lived in a handful of cities in this county; and I have never seen a city with so much pride and unity as the people in New Orleans seem to have. I'm so glad I was able to experience this city and do some work I feel good about while I was at it.

Thank you so much for this opportunity!