🎄 Giving Back and Celebrating the Season: A December to Remember 🎄

Service Hours Completed: 7 hours 
Cumulative Fall Semester Service Hours: 31 hours 

December was packed with excitement, community, and celebration! I kicked off the month by volunteering once again at the Superdome for a football game. This time, the New Orleans Saints took on the Los Angeles Rams. 🏈 

🏆 Bayou Classic Festivities 🎺🎉 

Leading up to the game, the city was buzzing with events for the Bayou Classic, an annual college football showdown between two HBCUs, Southern University and Grambling State University. The Bayou Classic is a celebration of African American culture and HBCU traditions. The Battle of the Bands and the halftime show are always highlights, bringing the energy and spirit of Louisiana to life. 

Beyond the festivities, the Bayou Classic also plays a crucial role in supporting students. The event funds a scholarship program that provides financial assistance to students from Orleans Parish, making a lasting impact on the community. It was an honor to be part of such a meaningful weekend, and seeing celebrities in attendance added an extra layer of excitement! ⭐ 

🤝 Volunteering at the Superdome 

Volunteering at the Superdome is always a blast, and this time was no different. As a Roving Salesclerk, I spent my day walking through the stadium, selling raffle tickets to enthusiastic fans. The energy in the stadium was electric and knowing that the proceeds went to the Second Harvest Food Bank made the experience even more fulfilling. 

Of course, no Superdome event is complete without amazing food! We were treated to a delicious meal of chicken, brisket, and the best New Orleans bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce. I made sure to snap a picture so I could buy the sauce myself! Giving back during the holiday season in such a lively atmosphere was the perfect way to start December. 🎅🎁✨ 

📚 Wrapping Up the Semester 

The last week of school brought even more celebrations. Our class and professors came together for a Christmas party, complete with an open bar and incredible food. While we had a great time, we couldn’t get too carried away because we still had one more module to complete before officially wrapping up the semester—GI & Neoplasia!  

After the party, some of us attended a Build-an-Alex event as a fun stress reliever. Alex the Alligator 🐊, Tulane University Campus Health’s mascot, is more than just a stuffed toy. Alex shares important insights about student wellness, including tips on staying safe and making informed decisions about alcohol consumption. It was a lighthearted and meaningful way to unwind and take a break.  

                          

🎶 Study Session & Semester Wrap-Up 🍪🍷 

To finish the semester strong, one of my classmates and I had a fun study session filled with dance breaks and homemade cookies. It was the perfect blend of productivity and relaxation, ensuring we stayed focused while also savoring the moment. Our reward system? Freshly baked cookies paired with a glass of wine. Maintaining balance in life is essential, and this study session was the perfect reminder of that. 🍷🍪😌 

I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement from my classmates, Ms. Linda, and Dr. Clarkson. This semester was challenging, but the camaraderie and motivation from those around me made all the difference. Ending the year on such a positive note has me excited for what’s ahead in the new year! I’m blessed to be celebrating Christmas and my Dad's birthday this year in the beautiful city of Honolulu, Hawaii. 🎉🎄🌺 

Looking Ahead ✨ 

December was a whirlwind of giving back, celebrating, and pushing through academic challenges. Volunteering, building stronger relationships with my classmates, and wrapping up this semester reminded me of the importance of community, gratitude, and perseverance. As I step into the new year, I’m looking forward to more opportunities to grow, give, and make meaningful memories! Aloha 🌺 Mele Kalikimaka 🎄🌊 and see you next year! 🎆