Alternative Spring Break

While this entry may come as a bit late to some people, reflection on the past week is not something that can just happen overnight. Everything from the 1st townhall meeting to the city tour and even the work sites seems like a haze of overwhelming joy and emotion. The friends I made and so eagerly want to see again seem so far away. And the difference I hope to have made, at this point, seems intangible yet motivating.

I believe most of us came into this week with different ideas of what to expect. Mine were a blur of wanting to help out the community while meeting new people and enjoying a new city. While the latter two were definitely a part of the trip, what Deloitte and United Way made evident was the amount of work necessary to help recover from this disaster. Katrina was no doubt the center of this trip, and I loved every minute of it. I am grateful to be more knowledgeable about this tragedy and the recovery effort resulting from it. I am also happy to have been a part of the process to rebuild. But most of all, I am excited to continue serving in my community and educating others of the need to volunteer, whether this process involves rebuilding a home, mapping a city, or talking to adults and children alike about the horrors they have faced and the aid that they need.

While everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy their community service assignments, the week was not just all work. We had a chance on the fist two days (when we weren't yet sore or tired) to experience a devastation tour of the city, play some air hockey and foosball in the conference room, and partake in the culture of southern cooking. Throughout the week, groups also went on their own hunger hunts, whether it be Sonic or crawfish and gumbo. One of my favorite parts of the day happened in the evenings. And no, not just because we played Taboo or Mafia. I truly enjoyed the Shout Outs and the Team Reports at the end of each day that took place at the Town Hall meetings. It was really nice to see where everyone was with their assignment and how relationships were building throughout the week. I have been telling my friends and family that I need a week to recover from this past week. I came back sleepy and tired and overwhelmed. But every time I said this, I knew I wouldn't have traded this past week in for the world. I got to do what I love, surrounded by good people, food, and weather, and I have come back with the motivation and knowledge to help do more.

By Khushboo Bansal