Katrina

Wow this has been an experience! I have survived the hurricane but KAtrina continues to ruin many lives and bring out the worst in some people. I rode out the storm with my brother, father, and other family members but quickly realized that the situation is worst than anyone can imagine. I have since left louisiana not my choice but for the betterment of others. Family becomes most important at a time like this and sometime the best thing is step out the way. As the city tries to clean up and start to rebuild many problems come into factor including people who refuse to leave. Gas, water, and food supplies become difficult to obtain so sometime it is better to leave a situation than to stay around and make it more difficult. Yet I feel like I have abandonded people and situation in New Orleans that need my help. I have since reach Long Beach , CA and stay with family. People in California have been amazing and to see the rest of the country give and care so much touches native's, like myself, hearts. People offering money, clothes, supplies, and food brings me to tears because in a time when all you need is a hug they give you their heart. I want to be in Baton Rouge giving my time and efforts to help those who needed it. I know they have helpers but I from New Orleans and we need to help each other. I have a drive to always help those that are worse than me and to see people that need help in my city and I am not there hurts. I will get back to the city and I will help out but first comes family and obligations to them.

I am only two classes from graduating and Cal State LOng Beach took me in and within the first day I was put into the newspaper with the presidents arm around me and two feature stories in paper about me, but all I can think about is home. The question I have recieved the most from reporters is what has been the hardest part...They are surpirzed by my answer. Not the hurricane, not the flooding, not horrible political games being played, but media and people around the the United States asking the question, "SHOULD WE REBUILD NEW ORLEANS?" ARE YOU KIDDING ME! THAT IS OUR HOMES! THAT IS OUR NEIBORHOODS, THAT IS OUR SCHOOLS, THAT IS OUR FAMILY, AND THAT IS OUR LIFE! Nobody ask should we rebuild the towers after 9/11, or Los Angeles after they have a earthquake, or Nebraska after a tornado, or Florida after a hurricane. So why New Orleans? Yeah I know what some poeple are saying but before you say anything imagine this your home, your school, your postoffice, your favorite waterhole, your job, your car, your friends, your life geting destroyed and someone comes to you and say should we rebuild it. New Orleans will survive and move on. New Orleans will party again and families will be reunited. Friends will see each other and get a drink to go. Bars won't close at 2 am but stay open all night. Festivals will go on with New Orleans flavor. Reb Beans and Rice will become normal monday dinners, and complaints of the saints will be the talk of the town again. I love New Orleans and no one or thing will ever keep it down. Anyone who says, "Should we rebuild New Orleans?" Can kiss my ASS! Because whether you like it or not we will rebuild with or without your money.