Reflextion

It has almost been an entire week since I have been back in California. I will say that I am missing New Orleans and everything and everyone associated with the magnolia Project. Was it perfect? Of course not. Did it have its flaws? Of course it did. Would I go back with the same group of people? In a heart beat. Just thinking back at the whole experience, it is something that I would never give up. I was pushed in every direction, I had many challenges confront me, I was tired all of the time, I was conflicted, I was dumbfounded, I was amazed, I sweated so much and many other things. I know that for the most part, I did earned the respect of my peers and that to me is all I need. Also, I had so much fun getting to know them, hang out with them and just spend time with them. It is interesting how these types of things bring individuals together who other wise would never met. I am sure I have passed many of these individuals at school and not even noticed them but now that I know them, I will make sure to stop and talk to them. With myself included, there was 87 students that went. Eighty seven students that went down to New Orleans to try to make a difference, 87 students who went down to try to make a name for Cal in the south, 87 students who not only represented Cal with prestige and dignity but who represented themselves with prestige and dignity, and 86 students who are potential friends that I know have.
I think for the most part I have grown up a lot during this experience. I have taken a lot of responsibilities that I normally would never take. I have developed a huge appreciation for everything and everyone I have in my life because anything can happen and I could lose it all in an instant; just like many locals of New Orleans have. ninety some percent of black homeowners had homes, some of which were re-modeling their homes and in an instant, it was all gone. Many of these individuals will probably not return to New Orleans because of the fear of something like a flood happening again. New Orleans has been flooded 2 times before Katrina and many are afraid it will continue to happen again. There were some residents that regretted returning to New Orleans. I have so much respect for these individuals because it seems that no matter how hard life can get, they seem to always look on the bright side. Many are just trying to get their lives back in order. The one thing I just wish never happened was the kids having to go through all of this. I worked at first graders my final week in New Orleans and it broke my heart that these kids had to go through all of this. Many of those kids had to grow up so fast and have to deal with the problems of the world. There was this one kid JaShane who we were told that he would always talk about cocaine and crack but when we worked with him, he was one of the sweetest kids. He was one of the top readers in the class and he just had this smile that could stop a room. It worries me what will happen to these kids. Are they going to be alright? What was tough was one of the girls in the class would asked Kristine if she could go with her to California because these kids just got so attached to us. It was pretty hard saying good bye to these kids. I know one of them was upset at us the Monday before we left. He kept saying that he was not going to give us High Fives because we kept messing with him. By the end of the day, was warmed up to us again and wanted us to give him a piggy back ride and was high fiving us. It was an awesome feeling. It is weird being back at home after going through that experience. I know that I will continue to go back to New Orleans. I know many of my new friends want to continue to go back. Anyways, take care.

Sincerely,
Ebelio Mondragon