Greater than three

While studying abroad, I found myself reflecting on the experience as an intense sociological experiment on human interaction and relationship building. What I love most about going abroad, going abroad with a group, is that regardless of where one may be in the world, people’s behavior and habits are intensified because of the fact that they are in a new/unknown environment for a finite amount of time. Now, I find myself not abroad but on a service trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, with a group whom I previously considered strangers. The emotional experience of this trip is similar to that of going abroad and I can’t help but notice their similarities.

It’s been four days but I can officially say that I am in love with everyone on this trip. It’s amazing how the combination of being far from friends and family as well as being confined in small spaces will force people to bond in record time. The trust that has developed between the 15 participants of this experience is admirable and I appreciate the group so much for investing so much of themselves in this our time here. The personalities are unadulterated.

It says a lot about people – our ability to open ourselves to strangers, to let them into our complicated lives. During this trip, at the end of each day, while we may seclude ourselves to our own thoughts and feelings, and while we may consider our vulnerabilities and occupy ourselves worrying about whether or not we were being judged, each person still has managed to wake up the next morning, without acting differently or hiding anything come the new day. It’s beautiful really. Yes, I am rambling a bit and yes this is a cheesy wreck but I write it with the most sincerity. I am looking forward to this last half of our alternative break trip, and dread the day that it ends. Shout-out to all NOLA AB participants: thank you.

Hey everyone!
    My name is Dana Hollister, I am a junior studio art major. Last night the Head of Common Grounds Relief, Thom, gave our NOLA group a little New Orleans 101. He talked about all the problems that have arisen in the parishes since the impact of Hurricane Katrina. I personally learned a lot of information that I had no knowledge of before coming down to Louisiana. I was unaware of how corrupt the government had become (to the point where a lot of their elected officers were either in jail or in the process of having their title taken away from them). The issue with the government is only the first half of it! The school systems bailed after Katrina and fired the teachers and administrators that ran their school systems. This left the children of the parishes without education, creating a direct correlation to what Thom mentioned as "dumb crime" (aka breaking and entering just because they can). The whole time Thom talked about the issues in and around this area, he never once made it sound like these problems could not be solved. I am excited to see the projects that we will be doing which will allow us to contribute to the  new growth and development of these parishes! LETS GO NOLA!

Excited and almost ready to go!

Hi there,

I'm Monette, staff advisor for Team New Orleans (NOLA). I've been with UMD for 14 years and accompanying students on an Alternative Break trip is something I've wanted to do for a long time. I'm looking forward to learning and serving along with them. That I get to do this in my birthplace and the home of my parents makes it extra special.

From our local partner, Common Ground Relief, we'll be learning about the fragile and important wetlands and doing work to protect shorelines. We'll also be helping Second Harvest Food Bank by volunteering at a wellness fair. We hope to talk with residents about their experiences post-Katrina and, of course, we'll take in some sights.

Stay tuned as I and my teammates fill you in on our adventure.