New Year, New Lessons: January in New Orleans

Service Hours Completed: 3 hours 
Cumulative Spring Semester Service Hours: 3 hours 

 

🕊️ Remembering the Victims of the New Year's Day Tragedy 🤍

I want to take the first part of this blog to honor the 14 victims of the terrible terrorist attack that took place in the French Quarter just a few hours into New Year's Day. My heart goes out to their families and loved ones. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the victims, the lives they led, and the legacies they left behind. 🙏🏽

I’m incredibly thankful that my classmates and I were safe. I had originally planned to cut my break short and return to New Orleans for the New Year’s Eve celebrations but decided to spend time with my parents instead because I hadn't seen them in months. I truly thank God for that decision because had I returned, I would have been on Bourbon Street that night. This moment reminded me how important our choices are and how quickly life can change. Let’s tell those around us that we love them and choose kindness. Life is too short. ❤️ 

❄️ Winter Break & A Surprising Snowstorm 

This winter break was much needed and well deserved. I was also looking forward to my birthday—Capricorn season in full effect! 🎉 To my surprise, New Orleans had a heavy snowstorm, something I never expected to witness here. One of the reasons I moved to the South was to escape the snow. I didn’t think I’d be bringing it with me! ❄️😅 

Canal Street unintentionally turned into an ice rink, and people made the most of it by playing hockey and having snowball fights. It was fun to see everyone embrace their inner child and enjoy the unexpected winter wonderland. Seeing palm trees covered in snow was surreal; something I never thought I’d experience. 

📚 Kicking Off the Semester Strong 

Starting back, our first module was the Reproductive Module, and I’m happy to report that the exam went extremely well! This semester is definitely picking up the pace with presentations, as we now have Neuropharmacology and Endocrine Pharmacology alongside our Advances class. 

We had an exam on Tuesday after MLK Day, followed by two back-to-back presentations on Thursday. All of this while planning my birthday celebration! Despite the packed schedule, everything went smoothly, and I was able to relax and truly enjoy my special day. 🎂 

🏈 Giving Back: Touchdown for Hunger Packing Party 

This month, I had the pleasure of volunteering with Second Harvest Food Bank for their Touchdown for Hunger Packing Party. With the Super Bowl being hosted in New Orleans this year, it was only fitting to have a football themed packing party. It was heartwarming to see the progress and impact of the donations, which truly make a difference for families in need. 

One of the exciting updates at Second Harvest was their new conveyor belt rollers, which made packing boxes much easier. We worked in an assembly line and packed 962 boxes. That’s 962 families receiving support! The energy was high thanks to the DJ keeping the vibes fun and motivating. And of course, they treated us to pizza for our hard work. 🍕

I proudly wore my Josh Allen Buffalo Bills shirt because let’s be real, we all know they were supposed to be at the Super Bowl. Go Bills! 🏈💙❤️🦬 

We wrapped up the event by breaking down boxes and doing some good old-fashioned line dancing. We had a blast, and I left feeling fulfilled knowing we made an impact. I can’t wait to see how the city comes alive for the Super Bowl next weekend! 

✨ Looking Ahead 

This semester is off to an exciting and productive start. Between academics, giving back, and embracing unexpected adventures, January has already set the tone for an amazing year ahead. I’m looking forward to everything this semester has in store!