Changed for the better.

After returning home from New Orleans I am filled with a vast array of emotions. There were people with whom I came in to contact with that I never would have met or become acquainted with otherwise. The stories, lives, hardships and joys which I never would have learned of without having traveled to New Orleans are forever engrained in my heart. The essence of this trip is overwhelmingly powerful; I went there this year anticipating these emotions from last year and returned home feeling fulfilled and inspired once again.

To give up one's own personal time and energy for another person expecting nothing in return is an act unlike any other in the world. An act which brings forth the happiest of emotions that I've ever experienced. Each of us as individuals traveled to New Orleans from different backgrounds, with a melting pot of demographics contributing to our differences as people, yet we all shared in common one unique purpose--the desire to help others. The impact which this trip has had on my perception of other people is outrageous; I find myself more open minded and more accepting and understanding of other people's perspectives. One cannot understand another person’s struggle without living it themselves.

The hardships and turmoil that the people of New Orleans dealt with as a result of Hurricane Katrina, and are still dealing with today, is something that cannot be imagined without experiencing it first-hand. It can be considered and empathized with, however I do not actually feel their immense grief and sadness, I do not know what it is like to live without a home or food, or to lose all my possessions and to be forced to restart and rebuild my life from scratch. This trip allowed for a better understanding of what these people went through and what they need as human beings in order to recover from it. What inspires me the most is the attitudes and demeanor of the people there. They are not bitter or angry; they are welcoming, grateful and humble. This is awe inspiring.

Overall this trip has changed me for the better. I have returned home with a better understanding of how I wish to live my life, and a solid insight in to the reasons why I want to be a nurse. It is easy to take our blessings for granted and lose sight of what is really important at the end of the day. This trip serves as a continuous reminder of what is truly important in my life and for this I am thankful and forever grateful. I have come to know and understand myself on a higher level having traveled with Molloy on this trip. I see in myself and in others the full potential and capacity to serve and help others for the good of humanity, and the integrity of the soul.

Maddie and Sarah--Thank you both so very much.

-Meggan Kent

Reality Check

I can honestly say spending a whole week in New Orleans has given me a complete different outlook on life. The nursing students and I had the opportunity to spend time with a lot of people who were affected by Hurricane Katrina at the Rebuild Center. Although, these people went through tragedy, majority of them were still so thankful for what they have today. These individuals were thankful that we took time out of our day to come spend time with them and when we were nervous to talk to them, their southern hospitality shone and invited us in. The sisters at the rebuild center are the epitome of strength. They had the courage to open up this center for the homeless and less fortunate when others could only dream about it. Every day they give their all to the center to help others; that alone is a true blessing.  I am thankful that I attend a college that offers a program such as so for students like myself. 

Finding my purpose in LIFE!...

This is now my fourth year down in New Orleans. I wait all year for my spring breaks to come around so I can experience what truely makes me happy...service! I feel completely myself when Im down there. I can feel my soul smiling. The people are so warm and kind. Their strength and courage to move on makes me smile. Knowing that there are students in the world who are willing to give their time in order to serve others makes me hopeful. This year was once again an amazing experience for me. I've learned new things about myself and home rebuilding! That's always fun! I can't help but to smile everytime I think of New Orleans and the spirit of the people there. New orleans has changed my life forever. The past years have made me a better person and opened my eyes to all my hopes and dreams. These experiences are invaluable to me and I am truely thankful for having been given such a chance. Thank You!

My first experience...

Not only was it my first time on an airplane, but this was my first time in New Orleans and I truly enjoyed myself. Everything was amazing, the food, the culture, even the atmosphere. I meet and connected with students from Molloy as well as students from other colleges. I even had a connection with some of the people who has been in New Orleans their entire life and was apart of Hurricane Katrina. Just hearing their stories makes me want to do more. As some of the other students and myself were working on the house we were assigned to, I did not want to stop until the deed was done. I was sad to go without seeing the house finished. But, I left knowing that it will be done beautifully for the family moving into it. Cleaning up the neighbors was also another experience for me as well. We broke down into groups with students from other colleges and we got to connect with them while doing a good deed. People were passing by seeing the work we were doing on the house and on the streets and thanked us so kindly with warm smiles. The thank yous and smiles really got to me and will always be with me and all the pictures I took. Overall, this trip changed my life.