Every year around this time, I am worried about where I will be teaching and what my end of year will be like. August is always full of uncertainty, but one thing is always certain. I will be back with my NOLA Family at some point in August, and I look forward to this trip every year.
This year was a bit different for me, because I was on the administrative/planning side. There were a few hiccups, but everything seemed to go as close to plan as possible. Everyone went to New Orleans with a vision and purpose, and we all returned with sad hearts that the week had to end so soon. Every minute we spend in one of our New Orleans schools humbles us and makes us wish we could do more.
For trip 2, Harriet Tubman Elementary called us back this year, and we were a bit nervous about being put back on the task of organizing the library. I personally envisioned two rooms filled with books that were just kept there and never moved since last summer. This was thankfully not the case, yet there was lots of work to be done. Once we were able to see the actual teacher resource library, we knew what needed to be accomplished There were plenty of books on the shelves and thousands that still needed to be leveled, labeled, and shelved. We delegated tasks and were able to provide a functioning teacher resource library for Harriet Tubman and felt a great sense of accomplishment.
We made friends, had laughs, ate beignets, and formed an attachment to the work we do in New Orleans. I am certainly look forward to the next trip which can't come soon enough, but has lots of work and planning to get us there.
Let the good times roll!!!!!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
New Orleans Trip 2012
I wanted to say, I had such a blast. It was fun meeting Genie, Christine, Jennifer, Eunice, Caroline, Erin at Arthur Ashe, Morgan, Brenda and Mildred. Tyler, Karen, Kathleen, and Adrienne it was good to see you again. Helping rebuild Arthur Ashe was such an honor to do and it was fun as well. Doing the tour with Toni was fun to do even though it was sad to a good portion of the houses by the hurricane, but I am also glad I saw some Brad Pitt houses as well. It was sure fun having some of my favorite New Orleans food, like Gumbo, Jambalaya, Beignets at Cafe Du Monde and plenty of others. I had such a blast having dinner with the group on most nights. The Bienville House once again was a great place to stay at again. Overall I had a such blast and I hope to come back next summer in 2013.
I wanted to say, I had such a blast. It was fun meeting Genie, Christine, Jennifer, Eunice, Caroline, Erin at Arthur Ashe, Morgan, Brenda and Mildred. Tyler, Karen, Kathleen, and Adrienne it was good to see you again. Helping rebuild Arthur Ashe was such an honor to do and it was fun as well. Doing the tour with Toni was fun to do even though it was sad to a good portion of the houses by the hurricane, but I am also glad I saw some Brad Pitt houses as well. It was sure fun having some of my favorite New Orleans food, like Gumbo, Jambalaya, Beignets at Cafe Du Monde and plenty of others. I had such a blast having dinner with the group on most nights. The Bienville House once again was a great place to stay at again. Overall I had a such blast and I hope to come back next summer in 2013.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
3 Different Trips...3 Different Experiences
Greetings from New Orleans. This has been my 3rd year volunteering with this service learning experience and I must say that each time I walk away feeling more grateful and humbled by what we do. On the first day of arrival I was greeted by our veterans as well as some new PACE students eager to get started with our week long adventure. After our yearly lunch tradition, visit to museums and shops we all met to discuss our assignment. Karen mapped out our expectations but advised the group to be prepared for anything.
As we all began our first day here in NOLA myself, Angela and Tyler ventured to Arthur Ashe school which was the school group 1 had worked the previous week. Upon our arrival I was amazed to see such a beautiful new school. This school and it's surroundings were much different than any of the previous schools we've worked in. I also got a chance to meet up with the school's principal Ms. Sivi Domango whom I had the pleasure of befriending on my first trip when she was the principal of John Dibert School. Our assignment was to finish up any small tasks they had left to do. Our trio was able to assist Mrs. Atkins in completing the set-up of her new reading resource room because she was going to be the new RTI teacher. We completed new shelving units and bagged all of necessary books. Mrs. Atkins was very appreciative and rewarded our efforts by driving us home and sharing her take on New Orleans living and teaching. We had a great day.
On day 2 we joined the group to work once again at the Harriet Tubman school leveling our infamous books. Chicago's Finest (as we were named by teacher Mr. Briggs) was in the building ready to work! Our group worked on leveling, organizing and clearing books to create a functioning library for the staff and students. As we all gazed upon our mound of books once again we rolled up our sleeves ready for the challenge.
As each day has passed our mountains of books have become small organized hills and we all feel so accomplished. I've said this in previous years and I will continue to say we do this for the students and not for us. It's our selfless acts whether big or small that makes a difference in each school that we're fortunate to work in. Round of applause volunteers of P.I.E. job well done!
As we all began our first day here in NOLA myself, Angela and Tyler ventured to Arthur Ashe school which was the school group 1 had worked the previous week. Upon our arrival I was amazed to see such a beautiful new school. This school and it's surroundings were much different than any of the previous schools we've worked in. I also got a chance to meet up with the school's principal Ms. Sivi Domango whom I had the pleasure of befriending on my first trip when she was the principal of John Dibert School. Our assignment was to finish up any small tasks they had left to do. Our trio was able to assist Mrs. Atkins in completing the set-up of her new reading resource room because she was going to be the new RTI teacher. We completed new shelving units and bagged all of necessary books. Mrs. Atkins was very appreciative and rewarded our efforts by driving us home and sharing her take on New Orleans living and teaching. We had a great day.
On day 2 we joined the group to work once again at the Harriet Tubman school leveling our infamous books. Chicago's Finest (as we were named by teacher Mr. Briggs) was in the building ready to work! Our group worked on leveling, organizing and clearing books to create a functioning library for the staff and students. As we all gazed upon our mound of books once again we rolled up our sleeves ready for the challenge.
As each day has passed our mountains of books have become small organized hills and we all feel so accomplished. I've said this in previous years and I will continue to say we do this for the students and not for us. It's our selfless acts whether big or small that makes a difference in each school that we're fortunate to work in. Round of applause volunteers of P.I.E. job well done!
NOLA Trip 2
My second trip to New Orleans start the same as the first. This time however I did know one person, Karen. Due to a family a family vacation, I was not able to attend the orientation. I was told to check in with Eunice, however I did not know what she looked like. As I was standing at the gate I notice a lady with beads on. This had to be Eunice.
After checking we waited a short time and boarded the plane. I stepped into the plane and thought to myself, "this is a Barbie plane."
Again this year I did not know who I was rooming with. Tiffany and I have gotten along just fine. My key to getting along with people you do not know is to be flexible and go with the flow.
Returning to Harriet Tubman has been great. The school looks so much better than last year. Classrooms look like classrooms and everything looks so much cleaner.
Our job this year is the continuation of last years book leveling. The only difference is that we are all in one big room. Again there are too many books and not enough shelves to put them on. This is a good problem to have but as someone who likes to have things neat and orderly I feel this project is not going to be complete.
To sum up the trip, it has again been a great time of meeting wonderful people, experiencing more of New Orleans, and most of all helping to improve the education of students. If you are reading this blog to decide whether or not to go on the trip. JUST DO IT. It will be fun and rewarding.
My second trip to New Orleans start the same as the first. This time however I did know one person, Karen. Due to a family a family vacation, I was not able to attend the orientation. I was told to check in with Eunice, however I did not know what she looked like. As I was standing at the gate I notice a lady with beads on. This had to be Eunice.
After checking we waited a short time and boarded the plane. I stepped into the plane and thought to myself, "this is a Barbie plane."
Again this year I did not know who I was rooming with. Tiffany and I have gotten along just fine. My key to getting along with people you do not know is to be flexible and go with the flow.
Returning to Harriet Tubman has been great. The school looks so much better than last year. Classrooms look like classrooms and everything looks so much cleaner.
Our job this year is the continuation of last years book leveling. The only difference is that we are all in one big room. Again there are too many books and not enough shelves to put them on. This is a good problem to have but as someone who likes to have things neat and orderly I feel this project is not going to be complete.
To sum up the trip, it has again been a great time of meeting wonderful people, experiencing more of New Orleans, and most of all helping to improve the education of students. If you are reading this blog to decide whether or not to go on the trip. JUST DO IT. It will be fun and rewarding.
5 Times...
This year marks round number 5...
5 times the friends,
5 times the work,
5 times the sweat,
5 times the cuisine,
5 times the memories,
5 times the laughs,
5 times the love...
I honestly cannot imagine my life without this trip every year. I look so forward to it, that life seems to revolve around the beginning of August. Since last year, I have moved across the country from Chicago, the place that I call home.
Two weeks prior to the trip, Erica and Genie Skyped me into the Orientation so I had a chance to say hello, express my excitement and meet all of our new participants. My excitement surged. Last year I promised and I have since kept my promise to rendez-vous with all of my friends, family and loves, down here in our favorite place. I was able to come in a few days early, to enjoy the last few days Trip One was down here, and see Caroline, Jennifer, Genie, Adrienne and her family. My parents came in to spend another few hours with me, before the Trip 2 arrived. When we all were finally together, on Sunday, we picked right up, as if we'd all never been seperated, chattering, swimming, and getting to know all of the new people.
Today is Thursday, and the bulk of us have left with Tony for a tour of the 9th Ward. The rest of us are here, finishing the little bits of work we have left and blogging. We have taken tens of thousands of books, and leveled them, according to reading level, labelled them with colored dots and letters, and shelved them in an actual library! This is so very exciting to know that the children, who start school next week, will have a giant, carpetted room, with big fluffly couches and chairs to come into, and get lost in a world of books.
Much like last year, when we spent all week leveling books, periodically someone would yell out the title of a book that sparked a memory from their own childhood, or just something that made us giggle:
"Mr. Popper's Penguins! I remember reading this with my Dad at bed time!!"
"Chicken Soup With Rice! Who remembers the cartoon starring Carole King??"
"Tyler's Shy! HA, no he's not!"
"I Am A Duck!"
"Do Unto Otters!"
"The World's Biggest Baby!"
"The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!"
"Raging Hormones, The Unofficial Guide to PMS!"
"Why War Is Never A Good Idea"
"Quotes From Women! This book is almost a thousand pages, looks like women have a lot to say!"
Most of the time, I felt that this banter bonded us together. Finding such a commonality in literature... Almost like an unspoken, secret language. And, quite honestly, I feel as though laughter is the glue of humanity. If you can't laugh, or even crack a smile, you're missing out on a huge part of life.
Truthfully, after 5 years, this might be what I look forward to the absolute most, year after year: The laughter.
I think it's safe to say that I'm addicted to New Orleans, and our Service Projects. I cannot imagine one without the other, whatsoever. And I like it this way.
<3 Always... 5 times!
5 times the friends,
5 times the work,
5 times the sweat,
5 times the cuisine,
5 times the memories,
5 times the laughs,
5 times the love...
I honestly cannot imagine my life without this trip every year. I look so forward to it, that life seems to revolve around the beginning of August. Since last year, I have moved across the country from Chicago, the place that I call home.
Two weeks prior to the trip, Erica and Genie Skyped me into the Orientation so I had a chance to say hello, express my excitement and meet all of our new participants. My excitement surged. Last year I promised and I have since kept my promise to rendez-vous with all of my friends, family and loves, down here in our favorite place. I was able to come in a few days early, to enjoy the last few days Trip One was down here, and see Caroline, Jennifer, Genie, Adrienne and her family. My parents came in to spend another few hours with me, before the Trip 2 arrived. When we all were finally together, on Sunday, we picked right up, as if we'd all never been seperated, chattering, swimming, and getting to know all of the new people.
Today is Thursday, and the bulk of us have left with Tony for a tour of the 9th Ward. The rest of us are here, finishing the little bits of work we have left and blogging. We have taken tens of thousands of books, and leveled them, according to reading level, labelled them with colored dots and letters, and shelved them in an actual library! This is so very exciting to know that the children, who start school next week, will have a giant, carpetted room, with big fluffly couches and chairs to come into, and get lost in a world of books.
Much like last year, when we spent all week leveling books, periodically someone would yell out the title of a book that sparked a memory from their own childhood, or just something that made us giggle:
"Mr. Popper's Penguins! I remember reading this with my Dad at bed time!!"
"Chicken Soup With Rice! Who remembers the cartoon starring Carole King??"
"Tyler's Shy! HA, no he's not!"
"I Am A Duck!"
"Do Unto Otters!"
"The World's Biggest Baby!"
"The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!"
"Raging Hormones, The Unofficial Guide to PMS!"
"Why War Is Never A Good Idea"
"Quotes From Women! This book is almost a thousand pages, looks like women have a lot to say!"
Most of the time, I felt that this banter bonded us together. Finding such a commonality in literature... Almost like an unspoken, secret language. And, quite honestly, I feel as though laughter is the glue of humanity. If you can't laugh, or even crack a smile, you're missing out on a huge part of life.
Truthfully, after 5 years, this might be what I look forward to the absolute most, year after year: The laughter.
I think it's safe to say that I'm addicted to New Orleans, and our Service Projects. I cannot imagine one without the other, whatsoever. And I like it this way.
<3 Always... 5 times!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Giving with Family
This is my fifth trip to New Orleans for service. This trip was really one to remember. Not only was I able to learn new personal stories about New Orleans and connect with teachers in a meaningful way, I was able to do all of this in the company of family. My mother, grandmother and cousin joined me this year to do service. It was great to have 3 generations of women giving back together. I learned more about myself and tons about my family. This trip was priceless.
In addition to the family experience, I was able to connect with two teachers in a way I never have before. I look forward to continuing this professional connection. We have already begun to share resources with each other! One teacher is even trying to get me to teach in New Orleans next year. We will see!
During this trip I was able to hear various stories about how people survived the hurricane and/or what brought them back to this special city. New Orleans is truthfully a unique experience. NOLA definitely gives you southern hospitality. The people are extremely friendly and willing to share their life with you--for all the good and all the bad.
NOLA Service Trip 2012 is one that goes in the books for me. I really look forward to our 2013 trip!
In addition to the family experience, I was able to connect with two teachers in a way I never have before. I look forward to continuing this professional connection. We have already begun to share resources with each other! One teacher is even trying to get me to teach in New Orleans next year. We will see!
During this trip I was able to hear various stories about how people survived the hurricane and/or what brought them back to this special city. New Orleans is truthfully a unique experience. NOLA definitely gives you southern hospitality. The people are extremely friendly and willing to share their life with you--for all the good and all the bad.
NOLA Service Trip 2012 is one that goes in the books for me. I really look forward to our 2013 trip!
Monday, August 6, 2012
So Long Farewell (Day 7)
This is the day that I didn't wanted to come ,but as always it had to come. Instead how Beatles sang Hello and Good Bye in a form of song I have to say Good Bye and Hello.
I think even city of New Orleans misses us because we clearly heard Thunder.
I missed bacon and sausage badly so, thought about going to Huckleberry Finn for breakfast ,but Karen convinced me to go to Diner. Which she made very wise choice. The most perfect size of meal and a great price. I really felt bad the Christine couldn't join us so, Jennifer and I shopped with Christine for about 30 minuites. Since, I love Folk music I bought a Pete Seeger's CD.. In Tony's taxi I sang "What a Wonderful World" When we were cheking for flight I was really scared to hear that it was canceled ,but we headed to air port anyway to see what's going on. We checked in our luggage for free and luckly got on the air plane. I got the exit row so, I had plenty of leg room that I even took my shoe off. When we landed in Chicago there was another air plaine occupying our gate so, we had to stuck about one hour in air plane. At Louie Armstrong International Air Port, I had to do another service to Jennifer by pushing her gently on a wheel chair. Anyway Thank God we made home nice and safe. Later my mom told me that there was severe T-storm in Chicago. I'm glad even in dangerous moment our team stick together. I can not wait to go back to NOLA next year.
I think even city of New Orleans misses us because we clearly heard Thunder.
I missed bacon and sausage badly so, thought about going to Huckleberry Finn for breakfast ,but Karen convinced me to go to Diner. Which she made very wise choice. The most perfect size of meal and a great price. I really felt bad the Christine couldn't join us so, Jennifer and I shopped with Christine for about 30 minuites. Since, I love Folk music I bought a Pete Seeger's CD.. In Tony's taxi I sang "What a Wonderful World" When we were cheking for flight I was really scared to hear that it was canceled ,but we headed to air port anyway to see what's going on. We checked in our luggage for free and luckly got on the air plane. I got the exit row so, I had plenty of leg room that I even took my shoe off. When we landed in Chicago there was another air plaine occupying our gate so, we had to stuck about one hour in air plane. At Louie Armstrong International Air Port, I had to do another service to Jennifer by pushing her gently on a wheel chair. Anyway Thank God we made home nice and safe. Later my mom told me that there was severe T-storm in Chicago. I'm glad even in dangerous moment our team stick together. I can not wait to go back to NOLA next year.
Oh what a night (Day 6)
Today was sadly our last day at Arthur Ash School. I gave a great big hug to Aaron who was in charge of us and even got the photo oppertunity. Around 12:30 Tony came to school and began lower 9th tour with Karen, Robbie, Eunice, Mildred and I. It was actually my 2nd time on the tour so, I just focused on taking pictures. Right after the tour, our tour group went for a little shopping at French Market. I epsolutely needed a hat and since I'm a musician I bought a small African drum. I even bought a small Alligator head to prove to my parents that I ate one. After come back to hotel some of our group member swam for 20 minuites. After drying up from the pool and got ready for dinner Jennifer and I went over to Karens room and worked on tip sheet on how to have fun on NOLA trip for PACE friends (Lauren Kornhauser, her mom, Paul, Kevin, Lindsay and Amanda). As I worked on the tip sheet I was thinking that even though we took seperate trip this year we are a one big happy family. After a final dinner as a group Jennifer, Genie, Chrsitine, Eunice, Robbie, Kathleen and I decided to do final Karioke. Later on Tyler, Adrienne and Angela join in. For Robbie who needed some confidence, I asked him to sing Summer Night from Grease. As we came back from Karioke Jennifer got really sick so, Karen kicked me out of my room until 1:00 A.M. Luckly Tyler was staying up late with me by watching the olympics.
It was good to write our reflection about our trip to PACE student.
It was good to write our reflection about our trip to PACE student.
Time for the show!! (Day 5)
Time goes really super fast here in NOLA it's already day 5!!.
Jennifer is my official bus keeper until day 7ths of trip. At school I did a bit of delivery and struggled a big time in Art Room with put balls on the deck. For lunch I ate 5 very little Sandwhich. Tyler, Robbie, Doryan, Jennifer and I played a bit of basket ball. After the hoop time, the art teacher named Kristin saw how much I was struggling and felt terrible and told me that "I will bring you a good knife tomorrow." Kathleen, Jennifer and I went to a Karioke place called Cats Meow. I sang Tokens (the Lion Sleeps Tonight) and Chubby Checkers (Let's Twist Again). I ordered hurricane and I couldn't believe how huge it was. I drank plenty of ice water at the bar. Jennifer and I went to Bubba Gump for a nice dinner and came back to see olmypics. I'm so glad that our Gabby win Gold Medal in all around floor excerise. Everyone stand up and sing Star Sprangled Banner by Francis Scott Key. It was finally nice to see Angela in person. During group photo time I thought lets take one silly picture so, I stuck my tongue out a bit and unfortunately it was one with the principle of school.
It was great to show my musical talent in front of a lot of people.
Jennifer is my official bus keeper until day 7ths of trip. At school I did a bit of delivery and struggled a big time in Art Room with put balls on the deck. For lunch I ate 5 very little Sandwhich. Tyler, Robbie, Doryan, Jennifer and I played a bit of basket ball. After the hoop time, the art teacher named Kristin saw how much I was struggling and felt terrible and told me that "I will bring you a good knife tomorrow." Kathleen, Jennifer and I went to a Karioke place called Cats Meow. I sang Tokens (the Lion Sleeps Tonight) and Chubby Checkers (Let's Twist Again). I ordered hurricane and I couldn't believe how huge it was. I drank plenty of ice water at the bar. Jennifer and I went to Bubba Gump for a nice dinner and came back to see olmypics. I'm so glad that our Gabby win Gold Medal in all around floor excerise. Everyone stand up and sing Star Sprangled Banner by Francis Scott Key. It was finally nice to see Angela in person. During group photo time I thought lets take one silly picture so, I stuck my tongue out a bit and unfortunately it was one with the principle of school.
It was great to show my musical talent in front of a lot of people.
The day of BIG trouble (Day 4)
When I woke up from the bed I felt some how felt like I have no energy at all from rack of sleeping. At school I ate pizza with my favorite ingredience which is garlic. I worked on lowering the legs of Art Stool and climb up the letter and staple Alphabet letters in Kindergarten room. It was my very first time climbing ay other than a small tree and step stool so, I was very nervous ,but did not fell back and did quite well. After the work while I was waiting by front door, I felt like having a fever. Adrienne took me to nurse's office. The school nurse game me Tylenor. After switching from bus to street car, the street car operator yelled "Everyone we are out of gas get off!!!!!!!" so, we walked from Burbon street to hotel. For dinner Karen, Older Eunice, Jennifer and I went to a fusion Greek place called Attikitaki. The meal was very delicious and big. After look through stores Jennifer and I spent time in the pool.
I learned to know myfeelings and condition changes after getting a little or no sleep at all. Maybe I should ask my doctor for some small dosage of sleeping pill.
I learned to know myfeelings and condition changes after getting a little or no sleep at all. Maybe I should ask my doctor for some small dosage of sleeping pill.
Day of start trouble (Day 3)
At School I did work with Tennis balls. What I mean is putting cutted tennis ball in the bottom of the chairs and desks. After another Chineis lunch, I worked on putting books in number order. On the way out I found my pencil case and phone that I lost. At the bus stop I couldn't find my bus pass. Oh no!!!! A very pretty and nice teammate Kathleenlet me borrow $3.00 so, I can buy a day pass to get back. Felt like Kathleen was an angel from heaven. After got back to hotel Kathleen, Jennifer and I went to Walgreens. On the way back, Kathleen, Jennifer and I looked around couple store and thought about what am I will going to buy on day 6th of my trip as a suvenior. I learned I have to be extra becareful of my things and budget right.
A day of Exploring (Day 2)
At breakfast time Ms. Ahan and Robert gave me a great big hug. This year our team went to Arthur Ashe school to help out with needs. I mostly did delivery and had great Chinese lunch. Boy! my back was killing. After when we got back we had a very short rest. After rest and quick shopping. Karen suggested that we explor Megazine Street. There was a lot of great shops ,but unfortunately all the shop was closed. We finally found a burger shop after long search. the name of the place was Ignatius. When we were looking at the menu we met a guy name Jerry. Karen bravely asked Jerry "Have you ever ate here before?" Jerry smiled and told Karen "Well, I'm the owner." Aligator Po-boy was delicious. After great meal everyone got desert at sucr'e
My first day in NOLA
So long farewell Chicago and hello New Orleans.
I woke up 4:30a.m. as usuall. Took shower and walked my dog Ramsey and headed out to O'hare air port at 6:50. Jennifer and I went to Mc Donald for breakfast and went to our gate ,but we felt like we were completely lost!! No one that we saw at orientation was at the gate!!. After long wait we finally saw Adrienne, Genie and whole gang of 1st team. The United Express plane tjat we took to NOLA was so small that I had to put my back pack in over head thing. Once we arrived in NOLA I felt strange. Because we took United this year. I couldn't see the statue of Uncle Louie. After reunited with Tony we arrived at our hotel. We went to Gumbo Shop for lunch as usuall and Tyler, Adrienne's family and I walked back to hotel. After the long rest everyone except Adrienne's family went to a near by Mexican grill named Felipes. The food was very delicious and right on budget. After the dinner I had some roomie time and went to bed. It was so good to be in NOLA and see familiar faces like Tony, Breatney, Cynthia and Justin.
I woke up 4:30a.m. as usuall. Took shower and walked my dog Ramsey and headed out to O'hare air port at 6:50. Jennifer and I went to Mc Donald for breakfast and went to our gate ,but we felt like we were completely lost!! No one that we saw at orientation was at the gate!!. After long wait we finally saw Adrienne, Genie and whole gang of 1st team. The United Express plane tjat we took to NOLA was so small that I had to put my back pack in over head thing. Once we arrived in NOLA I felt strange. Because we took United this year. I couldn't see the statue of Uncle Louie. After reunited with Tony we arrived at our hotel. We went to Gumbo Shop for lunch as usuall and Tyler, Adrienne's family and I walked back to hotel. After the long rest everyone except Adrienne's family went to a near by Mexican grill named Felipes. The food was very delicious and right on budget. After the dinner I had some roomie time and went to bed. It was so good to be in NOLA and see familiar faces like Tony, Breatney, Cynthia and Justin.
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