Countdown just became single digits – 9 DAYS LEFT!! Thursday, Apr 19 2012

I have an exam today that I should be giving a little more attention to, but that seems impossible when I can say that there are only NINE days left until we board that plane headed towards New Orleans, Louisiana.

When I was participating in the fundraising initiatives, I think what startled me that most is that people genuinely wanted to know about New Orleansand what the situation is post-Katrina. That may sound like an outrageous statement, but often times, I find that people feel coerced into donating, but this was different. Thankfully, those few classes and readings came in awfully handy as it would spark the discussion further. Family and friends were in disbelief when I was explaining to them the present day situation. After seeing this great deal of interest, I am excited for the opportunity to be able to come back and share with others what I will have seen and how much of an amazing place New Orleans is!

Trying new things is always a little scary. This is one adventure though that I will not back down from. A little bit of scary, compiled with a lot of excitement would be the best way to sum up my emotions. I have never travelled on a plane without my family before, I have never been away from home for longer than 5 days, I have never lived with this many other people before, but there is a first time for everything (and it looks like NOLA will be that first time). I know this will be difficult in some aspects for me, but I look forward to sharing the experience with so many other amazing people that I cannot wait to get to know even more!

The next blog written that I will write will be inNew Orleans! I can’t wait!

Until then…

Nisha Thomas

P.S.- As I said in my previous blog, I take holiday photos to raise awareness about …some social issue! Of course my Easter-themed portrait had to be dedicated to New Orleans and the social issues that people affected by Hurricane Katrina faced and still continue to face! Enjoy!

 

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Greetings from Nisha to YOU! :) Wednesday, Feb 8 2012

Hello to all the readers!

My name is Nisha Thomas and I am a third year Social Work student at Ryerson University. This is my first time ever writing a blog so hopefully this turns out okay! I am so excited to be going to New Orleans! Having never been away from home for more than 5 days, I already know this is going to be a very liberating (and maybe a little bit scary) experience!!

I had heard about this course and the NOLA trip last year when a couple of my friends had been accepted. Ever since then, I have always wanted to do this. In my first year, I had learned that Hurricane Katrina was not simply just the “natural disaster” that I had perceived it to be. After attending class this past weekend, the knowledge I learned from just those few hours is incredible! Once, I learn (and sometimes un-learn) something, I simply cannot ignore it! Nothing will be able to compare to the actual experience of being there though. I am more than ready to witness, experience and live the New Orleans culture. Not just the culture, but gain a first hand understanding of the lived realities of individuals affected. I can already feel it, my life is about to change.

This is all becoming so much more of a reality as I booked my plane ticket yesterday! Thank you Pascal and Tanya for this opportunity!! I can’t wait to share it with everyone!!

P.S. – In regards to the photo, I work at a portrait studio part-time! I have somewhat made it my goal to take “a holiday photo” as often as I can (or as often as holidays come) …and get my personal/political agenda out there. It may be dorky, but even if people just think about it for a minute, you never know what it could do!

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