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Corps Year: 2005 |
What do you think is the greatest misconception people have about Greater New Orleans (GNO)?
People who don’t live here assume that the quality life in New Orleans has significantly declined since the hurricane. Not as many people are living in the city, and not all the businesses have returned, but from day to day I don’t experience any inconveniences that I wouldn’t find in any other major city. New renovations are completed all the time, and residents have never been more proud to live in the area.
What assumptions did you have about Greater New Orleans before you joined Teach For America? How has your perception changed?
Before I joined Teach For America I had never been anywhere in the South. I grew up in California and went to school in New York, so I didn’t know what to expect. At first I was concerned that people would think I didn’t belong here, that I just came for my two-year commitment and then I’d leave. The truth is that I’ve never lived in a place that is more welcoming. Especially in the midst of the rebuilding efforts, everyone is so appreciative to have people come here who believe in the future of New Orleans.
What is your neighborhood like?
I live uptown, not far from Tulane and Loyola. I live in an old Victorian house that is split into three units. My unit has three bedrooms, and I share it with one Teach For America corps member and one Teach For America alumnus. It’s in a residential area, but I can walk to several restaurants, grocery stores, a coffee shop, and a gym in under five minutes. I’m also not far from Audubon Park, where I can jog, ride my bike, or join other corps members and alumni for ultimate Frisbee once a week.
My school is right in the heart of the French Quarter, a 10-15 minute drive from my house. All the shops and restaurants around my school are open and busy every day. The area is crowded with artists, musicians, and people having a good time.
How have your students been affected by Hurricane Katrina?
Students’ whole lives have changed since Hurricane Katrina. Many of my students lost family members, their homes, and everything inside. Last year they were displaced all over the country while they tried to find a way home. Many children bounced from school to school, and were treated differently by teachers and other students on account of where they were from. Our students missed a significant part of the school year, and now they need to catch up more than ever before.
Ever since I first came to New Orleans, the resilience of my students has continuously inspired me. After my first few weeks of teaching, I was convinced that the recent trauma my students experienced had only made them stronger and more willing to succeed in all aspects of life. The overwhelming stories my students have told about hardship and personal loss, related from the honest, direct perspective of six and seven year-olds, have made it clear to me that coming to teach in New Orleans is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What is it like to teach in Greater New Orleans?
Teaching here is an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience. At the start of both years, my students were performing well below grade level on average. It’s tough at first, because the kids have such different needs, but when you start to see the ways you’ve helped your students succeed, it makes all of your time and energy worth the effort.
What do you love the most about living in Greater New Orleans?
In GNO, there’s always something to do: a parade, a festival, or a cultural event. The local culture in New Orleans is strong and welcoming, and the Teach For America community here is the same way. Since our region was one of the original Teach For America locations, we have strong ties with schools and alumni throughout the region. I often meet people who are interested in the work I do, and I’ve had many community members volunteer in my classroom.
What is the nightlife like in Greater New Orleans?
You can go to a club, a local dive bar, and of course we have Bourbon Street if you’re feeling adventurous. There’s live music at all of these places, and there’s never a last call. Of course, you can always make a night out of your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, or movie theater. There’s definitely something for everyone.
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