Many students consider winter vacation as a time to relax, catch up on sleep, or make some extra cash with a holiday job. That was not the case for more than fifty of The College of New Jersey’s students who ventured on a twenty-two hour car ride to New Orleans, Louisiana. These students traveled with TCNJ’s Alternative Break Club (ABC), an organization devoted to students giving back and “getting their hands dirty.” Eight of the students who traveled with ABC are students of the Technological Studies Department. They volunteered to help be a part of the rebuild efforts that are still taking place in New Orleans from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The members of ABC with collaborating efforts with the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Project Homecoming were able to make an impact on six different families’ lives during the week stay in New Orleans.
Technological Studies Students at the Mulate’s Restaurant on their last night in New Orleans. Left to right: Megan Sauerbaum, Jill Turner, Cloe Kawecki, Kevin Schickling, Anthony DeVita, Bill Rumaker, Julianna Ryan, Cynthia Perez
The efforts of the students who traveled with ABC are giving families a chance to come home. Some students were installing flooring, reframing doors and windows, installing insulation and drywall, or painting, while others were installing sheathing . After exhausting work days, ABC was able to go out on the town and visit famous Bourbon Street and the French quarter. Every student gained something different from the seven days spent in New Orleans, but all had a wonderful experience and are eager to go back again.
During their stay, the students were also educated on what is happening presently in New Orleans. One evening there was a presentation on the issues regarding the vanishing wetlands that surround and protect New Orleans. The wetlands that surround a city below sea level are a natural barrier for the city from floods. Another evening a panel of directors from Project Homecoming presented on the progress that has been made and what they hope can be continued over the next ten years. In order to accomplish what needs to be done to rebuild New Orleans; Project Homecoming needs the continued support from volunteers, like the generous students of TCNJ who keep returning for more. Along with the panel of directors, the students had a family dinner with the home owners of the houses that were being rebuilt. This experience allowed the students to hear the stories of the tragedy that struck these families and gain personal connections with their home owners. The students of ABC are eager for their next trip and encourage others to get involved! It’s the chance of a lifetime to help those in need while building new friendships!
