I’m from Texas

Over the past week in New Orleans, Louisiana we worked with a super fun organization by the name of Youth Rebuilding New Orleans (YRNO). YRNO's mission is to purchase homes that were abandoned and repossessed by the city after Katrina then employ the local youth to remodel/rebuild. Then they sell the finished homes at discounted rates to area teachers. Not only are they making housing more affordable and rebuilding neighborhoods, they are teaching about community involvement.

The first day we pulled up to the work site around 9 am. From there we were greeted by John-our leader, Jeremy, and Ray, whom all work with YRNO. We also weren’t the only volunteer group in the vibrant city of New Orleans. On the site we were greeted by some northerners, specifically Wisconsin kids from Marquette University. It was so cool to meet people across the country, who had been helping YRNO for 5 years, come together to help another community. They weren’t the only volunteers in NOLA. Throughout the week we made it to another site- Gloria’s Garden. It was vibrant, fun, free, and loved by the community. It is run by Ms. Gloria herself at the young age of 70. This is where we met kids from Long Island, New York AND more Marquette students. Students from all over came to support and volunteer time for a place they aren’t from nor stay. It is so impactful and inspirational.

Now that the inspiring backstory and details are done its time for the trip itself.

Day 1: Today I was not expecting 26 people to be working on a tiny shot gun house. At 9 am the SUV’s pulled away from our glorious bunkhouse to our construction site. This is where my building experience starts. Well after a slow name game of course. After Katelyn Kiwi was repeated a solid 20 times we split into groups. My leader was Jeremy a 17-year-old kid who just had his car wrecked only 2 days prior. Although he wasn’t feeling the best and he was kind of shy he helped us learn the power tools. The saw was my tool, next to the measuring tape of course, and we also learned about the nail gun. Pretty powerful stuff. After a quick lesson on headers above the window and building a wall we took a break for lunch. A Pop tart and potty break later we were ready for work. This is where I decided to create a theme song for our group. The song is called “I’m from Texas”. State pride is a real big thing. Then we went to work, and we all felt more comfortable even Jeremy. This is where we learned about his wrecked car. End day 1.

Day 2: Half day! This was something, because although we were knowledgeable about what we were doing my work went by fast. Basically, I measured and cut a piece of wood to fit between every beam. That zoomed by and I was sent to pick up the micro trash. I don’t think anyone over 5 feet should be allowed to pick up micro trash. My back was not having it, but it got done. Once it was lunch time, we set off for our swamp tour. SIKE! I bet I gotcha. The tour took a turn and we explored the beautiful French Quarter instead. Now I type this while looking at my vibrant magnet on my mini fridge.

Day 3: New plan. Since there were so many people for the work site our hands were needed elsewhere. This is where I came to know Ms. Gloria and her garden. Painting bricks is fun but way messier than one would think. Gloria is truly amazing. She really enjoyed the help with her garden, and I felt the most impactful at. Although some might think sustainability might be an issue because of NOLA’s sinking status and growing seasons, you don’t realize the impact it’s putting on the community. For the rest of their life they will remember what Gloria has taught them and given them. That’s when we make the choice to do something like her and benefit someone other than ourselves. When one person teaches that to their friend, and they tell their friend and so on. That’s sustainable. The cycle continues.

Day 4: Another day at Gloria’s. Boy oh boy was I pumped. I love that garden. Yesterday she had the New York kids paint chairs one with polka dots and one with stripes with the colors black and white. Well the striped one turned into something no one knows. The New York art was too artsy for us southerners. This was my time to shine. I painted a new striped chair. It was awesome. Today was also a half day so I said bye to Gloria, and we headed to the Whitney Plantation. This is a place I wish I could describe, but its truly somewhere you go yourself to experience. Get educated. This also had been our night to eat out. I recommend to all the Oceana. Beautiful blackened alligator and a wonderful crab cake pasta. Definitely add the crawfish tails like I did. Beautiful cuisine.

Day 5: Last day ☹. Today was bittersweet because it was our last day on the construction site. This is also known as window day. A window is easier to put up than one would think. Just lift then screw.

In conclusion, I will continue my service for any community I can, and I hope everyone can go out of their comfort zone to help out in the community. We all know that one person can’t make a difference, but they can absolutely influence. Although this trip wasn’t about recycling or reusing it has influenced me to be conscious about my trash and carbon footprint. Returning to college I will try my best to have sustainability and watch out for my community.

- Bloise