It’s been 10 years since the water receded from Hurricane Katrina’s wrath in New Orleans.
Since then, homes, businesses, churches and schools have rebuilt. The French Quarter is bustling again.
But there are plenty of reminders. Empty dilapidated houses and overgrown lots remain.
There’s still rebuilding left to do, which is why members of Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Global Service Learning (GSL) organization will spend part of their semester break in New Orleans.
Members selected New Orleans for their annual national service trip to better understand the devastating impact of natural disasters and to help in the continued effort to rebuild a city. Global Service Learning members will rebuild homes, plant trees and serve meals. Each day will conclude with reflections to help process their experiences.
"The purpose of processing is to reflect on the day of service, and learn about the other group members’ perspectives," said senior Skyler May of Lincoln. "After serving all day at an organization it is so important to take the opportunity to learn about what the other members experienced through the service."
"Each member on the trip brings a new perspective and background to share with others," said senior Madi David of Lincoln. "Everyone has their own strengths and perspective that can challenge the way we see the world and how we view service."
Both Davis and May have been GSL members for nearly the entirety of their collegiate careers. Though this journey to New Orleans will be their last national service trip, Davis and May are confident their experiences with the organization will be forever impactful.
"I believe the connections I have made through GSL will help me in my professional life in the future,” said May. “The most important impact that GSL has left with me, however, is the broadening of my worldview."
Davis agreed her time with GSL has expanded her world perspective and given her skills that will benefit her career.
"GSL has broadened my worldview in a way that has prepared me to utilize my passion for helping others through the field of social work,” she said. “It is my hope to share the knowledge GSL has given me with others and to encourage them to challenge their own perspectives."
Both Davis and May hope to learn from those they will be serving in New Orleans as well as their fellow students and faculty, and return to NWU to share the new perspectives and ideas learned.
"I hope that all of the students on the trip take the chance to learn from each other,” said May. “From the individuals we are serving and from our environment in order to return to campus next semester with a fresh perspective and renewed appreciation."
The group leaves December 30 and will return on January 5.
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Story by Quinn Hullett, public relations intern