NOLA - Billy

After watching the New Orleans documentary, I could see that there was a need that had to be filled.
I am now very excited to go down to New Orleans and positively change the lives of others.

New Orleans through new eyes.

“The first light of day today revealed what we had feared. The devastation is greater than our worst fears. It’s just totally overwhelming.” —Kathleen Blanco

Hurricane Katrina’s devastation was a national tragedy that brought citizens together but also created a larger divide between the people and the government. While salvaging the lost possessions and preserving the culture’s rich history are important, the greater significance of government intervention, racism and social justice that were unearthed by this natural disaster. With the levees’ fragility, the city was bound to damage sooner or later, yet no precautions were taken to prevent this from happening. This had the people questioning the federal government’s dedication to its people, when surrounding neighborhoods and states were more willing to contribute than the administrative agencies. Years after the hurricane, people are still homeless and houses are still left dilapidated. If not now, when? If not us, then who will help them find safety and security in their own hometown?

Thus, we must walk the thin line between citizenship and apathy to encourage others to care, to give, to plan. Although New Orleans’ past is a mere memory, we must preserve its history and offer a path to reconstruction in order to look ahead and improve our future, as a lesson to all issues arising in social justice.

In “When the Levees Broke,” the documentary focuses on the testimonies of those living in the Lower Ninth Ward. The neighborhood was one the hardest hit areas due to its location on the Industrial Canal. Frustration and confusion laced the stories regarding FEMA and their expectations. These people thought they would be receiving aid, help was soon arriving and their troubles would be lessened. However, as time passed, their frustrations turned into anger and despair.

I thought the documentary was an excellent portrayal of the emotions and destruction. I think that we can take away the fact that government is not always going to be the driving force behind helping Americans, and that individuals will be left behind if there isn’t a Plan B. There should always be a Plan B, C, D, E, and F. Even though I am arriving years later, I expect to see homes still broken, and I know the overall aura of the city will feel boisterous but with a lingering twinge of sadness over the lost expectations. What I want to do there, with my fellow Bonners, is what many volunteers before us have done. We will be helping to rebuild the city, one piece at a time, because only small acts turn into big change. I expect to gain a newfound sense of patriotism and perspective for these people, I expect to hear their stories firsthand and empathize with them. When hope and faith are all one has, stranger become friends, too. I hope that this experience will encourage us to open our eyes, minds, and hearts to the bigger picture, and that this understanding will spring a tiny spark in our hearts that is only the kindling to a fire that will continue to grow as our passion for change develops over the years. Thank goodness they have this opportunity to speak up and stand up for this place they call home, a place with religious, cultural and familial ties.

That being said, I am incredibly excited and lucky to drive for hours and experience all of this for the first time with my fellow Bonners! There isn’t a better group of people to work with, we all experience different sites in Trenton and represent social change within our college community. To travel to one of the most beautiful places in America is an amazing opportunity and I absolutely cannot wait for what this trip has in store.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

Spike Lee's Documentary

A couple weeks ago we were given the opportunity to see a documentary by Spike Lee about the utter devastation in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. I have never been to New Orleans, but I remember seeing the terror the hurricane brought to so many people through the news. Nothing, however, touched me the same way that this documentary did. Hearing from the actual people, I was actually angered that their true pain was never really captured by newscasters and the story of previous hurricanes that the city had survived. Watching the film and seeing the story of the people changed my view and brought the story back to life in my eyes.

In 2005 I was a student going into seventh grade at Sparta Middle School when the hurricane hit. I was concerned about the people and I really wanted to make a change. So I set up a meeting with my school's vice principal. I wanted to host a benefit. We finally met up in October and she told me that people were already past that issue so it wasn't important anymore. This idea had been such a passionate candle in my heart. I could't believe my ears, but as a 12 year old kid I just allowed myself to be defeated and not pursue the idea any further. I allowed the light of my candle to burn out.

The documentary put that joyful hope back into my spirit and I began to get so excited. As a Bonner Scholar I obviously want to help make the world a better place, but for me this trip is more about redemption. I know now that had I continued to push my school and spoken to more people I could have organized a benefit and helped make that difference. My opportunity is given to me now to help make the change in people's lives.

I truly am looking forward to and awaiting my adventure in New Orleans to help make a change, no matter how small, for those who years later are still suffering. I know now that my vice principal was wrong and I should have fought, so now I will. I will take on the tasks of rebuilding lives because it is still a serious problem and without the efforts of many volunteers will not be going away any time soon. I can't wait to get started and rebuild.

Good Luck and Have Fun!

Hey Bonners!

I just wanted to wish you all luck on another amazing trip to NOLA. I have had the great opportunity to go to New Orleans twice during my time as a Bonner and they were the greatest experiences of my life. I'm so sad I can't make it again this year, but I know you will all have fun and I'll be there in spirit. Please take lots of pictures, soak in every moment, take advantage of the time you are down there to learn about the amazing city that NOLA is, and of course BLOG so I can keep up with you all :) Oh yea, and take care of my YouthBuild buddy, Michelle!

Laissez les bon temps rouler! (if you don't already know what that means, you'll know when you get back ;)

Bonner Love,

Esther