Hello!

My name is Shabana Hoosein. I am a senior at Union with an Environmental Science major and a music minor. Tomorrow I head to New Orleans, LA with 14 peers, one dirty dish loving RD and an enthusiastic sociology professor. I titled this day (-1) but we have been on campus at Union for the past 4 days preparing ourselves mentally and physically for the growth, obstacles and knowledge ahead. So far, it seems like we have a good, diverse group with us here and I’m looking forward to accepting this group as my family for the next 2 1/2 weeks.

I cannot express how excited and anxious I am. I have been waiting to go to New Orleans for the past 5 years. When I became aware of the immense amount of damage that had taken place after Katrina hit, I knew (even at the age of 16) that I had to get down there to help. Of course, my very strict parents  did not want me to go help at that time. Now that I am with a secure group of people and have traveled overseas by myself, my parents were confident that I would be safe on this trip. At first, my father was skeptical about our purpose in NO. He said “Katrina happened 5 years ago. I think they are finished with recovery.” After our weekly meetings fall term I confidently told my father, “You have no idea.” The reality is that I, myself, have no idea.

From what we have learned so far, help is needed. I’m glad that I have been granted the opportunity to live my dream. Community service is not only rewarding, but (more importantly) it is a learning experience. The world has so much to offer and we just have to get out there and grab it. I have faith that I will learn sooo much from this trip. The itinerary  caters to a variety of things such as wetland vegetation restoration, domestic violence, construction work and urban farming.

This is my first sociology class. I am a science major and haven’t taken many classes outside of math, science and music. I feel like my science background will positively contribute to the group’s learning experience and I hope to absorb a massive amount of knowledge from the social perspective. Overall, this is experience will be a journey for all of us. Can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anywho, I should probably hit the sack. I’m all packed and ready to rock. Open the curtains and let the show begin!