In the process, I met people who had experienced the hurricane first-hand and was able to connect with the world of New Orleans which was totally new to me.  The greatest difficulty I anticipated, and that I had listed on my application, was the amount of physical work required.  I was correct; it was arduous, and every day I was exhausted, but I learned the value of hard work and seeing a project followed through to completion.

My group, stationed with an organization called “Rebuilding Together” which helps residents in the local community, was responsible for gutting an entire house which would then be rebuilt with new drywall, floors, and ceilings.  Perhaps the most significant moment for me, after going at a wall and demolishing plaster with a crowbar all day, was when I figured out how to dismantle an entire bathroom by myself.

At the end of the day, seeing the work that everyone put into the house, and the five foot pile of debris out in front of it, made me realize how much a team of driven people can accomplish.  Looking around the neighborhood and seeing twenty more houses like the one we had just finished gutting after two days also made me realize how much work had yet to be done.  I hope I can go back soon.

The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and I empty a trashcan full of plaster onto the growing pile of debris.	The “Rebuilding Together” group at the end of the day, covered in plaster dust and masks.	(Not Me) Val, a fellow team member, empties a garbage can.

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