While The Journey May Be Over, The Service Still Continues

It has been a little over a week since I was digging in the sand of Ortley Beach alongside all of you. While the sore muscles have disappeared the memories that I made from those two days are still with me. I expect the same goes for all of you and your adventures in New Orleans.

While I cannot share those particular memories, I can say that over break I did make many memories from my own service.

I guess that is what this blog is really all about: recording our experiences to reflect and remember. It is safe to say that I cherish my whole Sandy Relief experience…especially those few days that I was working with Bonner.

Perhaps my favorite part of those couple of days was on the second day at Ortley when all of us were digging up this monster of a sand dune that had washed up against this small beach house. We were told that there was a “beautiful deck” underneath all of the sand, but it was hours before we even got the chance to see it. 

That single moment when a small piece of the deck surfaced and everyone gathered around to see it was definitely a moment to remember for me. To me it felt like we had conquered the impossible dune just by seeing that tiny piece of wood. I know that for many of us, including myself, it was aggravating shoveling one scoop of sand for more to just slide back into the cleared spot. For most of that day I felt like I was making no progress, but when I saw that deck, I finally saw progress.

Now I know that in the grand scheme of things we were just one group of students shoveling up one single backyard for that whole day, but we did leave our mark and help out that homeowner. I suppose that is how we all should really look at the whole Hurricane Sandy disaster; we should think that every little bit helps because every helping hand leads to progress. Little dents from everyone eventually add up.

However, there is still much work that needs to be done before New Jersey is up and running again. I know that some of the AmeriCorps members at Ortley said that they were going to be stationed there clear through February. But despite all of this, I am glad that I could help in any way that I could over Christmas Break.

I hope that all of you feel the same way with the service that you did in both New Jersey and down in New Orleans.

I look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow!

--Shayna Innocenti

Seeing is Believing

From the first day of Bonner orientation, every upperclassman would always talk about how amazing their NOLA trip was and how much they loved this city. I always wondered, how could everyone speak so highly of this one city? A city that had supposedly been destroyed by a storm and still struggled 7 years later to come back to 100%. Now I understand why, and the real question becomes, how can you not love this city? New Orleans is exceptionally unique. Its diversity ranges from the desolate Lower Ninth Ward to the extravagant Garden District. The dull gray levees around the city to the lit up Superdome right in the middle.  Every section has its own significance and style, and it all exists within the Big Easy. The one commonality that seems to exist around the city is the spirit of the residents who live within it. Never have I meant more friendly and hospitable people. Whether it’s the kids playing in the Lower Ninth or people walking around the French Quarter, everyone seems to be interested to share their stories and hear yours. It’s no doubt to me that this unity has been one of the most essential factors in this city’s reemergence.

Learning from Katrina to Aid Sandy

The three days at the Jersey shore were really filled with unexpected surprises. From walking into backyards that had their own sand dunes to seeing houses shifted off of their foundations, it was shocking to see the destruction that only resided about an hour from home. But in contrast to what I’m seeing in New Orleans, the response to all the damage has been phenomenal. AmeriCorps, FEMA, and many other organizations around the country are continuing to send massive amounts of resources and manpower into towns that require the aid. The real question will be how long will this assistance last? Because if I’ve learned anything from this trip to NOLA, it is that after some time people start forgetting about the devastation of a storm, resources start dwindling, and the affected areas are left in need of help for a very long period of time (i.e. New Orleans is still in the process of rebuilding 7 years later). Hopefully, the country has learned from Katrina and will continue to support the efforts for Sandy Relief because the towns along the Jersey Shore and even up in New York will require the aid for some time to come.

 

NOLA 2013

Now it is my third day here in New Orleans. So far it has been an amazing experience! In the last two days i have put up dry-wall and painted primer onto a wall. It was hard work but totally worth it when we met the home owner. She was so sweet and so thankful for all of our hardwork. Today I spent my day painting a ceiling. At first it was hard because the ceiling was slanted and much higher then my long roller could reach. I had to stand on my tiptoes and sometimes jump to get out all of the bubbles in the paint. That made Regina laugh and she kept making fun of me for being short. But in the end it was a great feeling to know that this short girl finished painting the ceiling (with the awesome help of Leslie of course!) 

The Big Difficult

           After our three-day service at the Shore, I have to admit I was physically exhausted. For the first two days, our group at Ortley Beach mainly shoveled sand and my whole body ached because of it. On the second day, we shoveled this huge pile of sand that was blown in someone's backyard for hours on end. The beach was literally in their backyard. It felt like it took forever to move all of that sand off their back porch so the owners could at least walk back there. By the end of the day, we finally got all of the sand off of the porch and it felt amazing to get that done. Even though the work was very strenuous, I felt so good after our work for Sandy and I was ready to continue our work at New Orleans.

            The ride down to NOLA was long and tedious and everyone was anxiously riding in the vans, excited for our arrival. When we finally got there, I think I speak for everyone when I say that we were all shocked. It has been seven years since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and, in some parts, houses are still ruined and abandoned. It truly was heartbreaking when we took the tour, especially when we went to the Lower Ninth Ward. I couldn't wait to begin our service and to help out as much as we could. 

           I have to admit that our first day of service for me was rough. I realized that I don't have many skills when it comes to building houses so I was given the job of patching. It was the most tedious thing that I had to do. It took me all day to patch up two small holes in the wall! Yet, when it was done, I felt so accomplished and relieved. The second day was a little easier since I was a little experienced and instead of holes that I had to patch up, I had to put drywall up. It took most of the day, but there was a big difference from the beginning of the day to the end and it was good to look at the wall and be able to say that I helped make it. So far on this trip, I am having a wonderful time and I can't wait to continue our service tomorrow.

-Ashleigh Amadeo 

Breaking Down and Building Up Hope

In Union Beach and throughout all of my Sandy work, I have been constantly breaking things down. I found myself completely ripping people’s life away as I saw and discarded damaged goods that simply can’t be replaced. I adore my job site and my site supervisors in Nola. While it was heard to demolish in Sandy, it comforts me that eventually, everything can and will be built up again. Every Bonner on my site has worked really hard, and I love showing the freshmen around the city.

Today, I met my homeowner- Ms. Loraine. We are mudding, sanding, priming, and texturing her walls this week. The hope I saw in her as she saw her house in the finishing stages was unreal. Her heart is so big and we could all tell her genuine personality as she told us about the struggle of finding a house after Katrina. She allowed four different homeowners to break the contract with her, allowing them to keep their house. Even though she was already in the process of closing on the properties, she said she understands that people want to hold onto the memories. This is the second time around rebuilding her house with SBP. Unfortunately, after three weeks of living there the first time round, she found out that she had contaminated drywall and has now been out of her home for another two years.

The Americorps members have been telling me a lot about their position and the program, and I can’t help but see myself living in New Orleans for 10 months after I graduate and having my own house to build. I absolutely love this city and the warm culture! It seems too good to be true to be able to live here. I guess I will have to see what happens. 

Entry 2

It is already day 2 in New Orleans and i can't even express how much i already love this city and how thankful I am to be here. This is truly an experience of a lifetime and I'm so thankful that I'm able to do it with my friends, great chaperons, and being involved in a worthwhile community service project. Just being around and experiencing the city of New Orleans is already one of my favorite things to do but I'm also glad that we are here making an impact in this great city. This city has given us such a great time and we're able to pay it back by helping with its recovery to its state since before Katrina.

Being here has really aloud me to learn about the long process of recovery from such a devastating thing like a hurricane. I must admit that even I didn't know the extent of the damage the city is still sustaining even seven years after the hurricane. I'm just glad that I'm able to make a difference even if it's in one persons life like Mrs. Rosemary who's house we're working on.

Building around the nation

During Sandy relief, Americorps assigned us to different places in Ortley Beach, the first two days and in Union Beach, the third day. They were in plenty of need for volunteers and were delighted to see us coming and helping in massive numbers compared to what they have had. The rebuilding in Ortley Beach has just begun and therefore, we were assigned many project involving shoveling snow so homeowners could get to their house and start demolishing. I thought it was cool since we would be doing the complete opposite in New Orleans. New Orleans building is going amazing. With a group of Bonners, we have done so much in the house we have been working on. We have put up a ceiling and many walls. The work we have been doing has taught me the importance of teamwork. I am excited to see the finished product.

Edric V

Seafood gumbo is some good stuff

Nola has been pretty sweet so far. Us Bonners went on a tour of the city and learned about its culture, history, and recovery after Katrina. Nola has a very rich culture. Whether you go to the Garden District which houses the University presidents and krew (exclusive country clubs) members or the 9th Ward, you witness the distinct architecture of New Orleans - vibrant colored houses, balconies, and French details. The streets are lined with performers, artists, and musicians. People are bold in their styles and embrace an almost hippie carefree way of life. New Orleans value and share a tight knit community which is evident as street children ride their bikes together down their street while moms sit together deep in conversation. This community prompted some community members to stay behind during Katrina and help those in need by many times risking their own lives. I'm so excited to be working on a house for Ms. Rosemary who after facing contract fraud, like about 65% of the rebuilding population, is finally getting a new home for herself, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We have spent our days putting up dry wall in the house (specifically the stairwell for a few of us). It's been a challenge that we all have wholeheartedly embraced, and we just hope we can do as much as possible in this week so that Ms. Rosemary and her children can move into her home.

Small tasks, Big Results

The first couple days in New Orleans have been alot of fun. Aside from the eye catching city life, easy going culture, good food, and great fellowship the thing that i find most appealing is the constant pesistence residents have to renew their community after the storm. Seven years later, and there is still a great amount of work! Our first day of work we were assigned to a house that was dry walled the week prior. The homeowner is a woman named Rosemary who was the victim of contractor fraud. After the first contractor was put behind bars the second simply did not finish the job. She wants a house that she can live in with her grandchildren and great grand children and she only had an empty shell. By the end of the week I hope to change all that. I spent most of the time working on a small piece of drywall that had many pipes sticking out of it. I had to cut out the pipe sections so the drywall would fit smoothly. I promise it's harder than it sounds! I continually had to change my pieces and I broke two of them! I was getting so frustrated throughout the day but I kept going. I knew this section of the wall would just be behind the sink so it would not be as visable as other parts of the house but I wanted to do the best job I could. Rosemary deserves the best house I can create for her and that includes hidden walls behind the sink. Finally, at the very end of the day I got my piece to fit! Although this seems like a small victory its yeilds great results. My favorite part of the day was being able to hear alot of other bonners around the house working together to finish other small goals. Together we are making a huge difference. Although i have not met Rosemary yet, i am eagerly awaiting to hear more about her story. As for now i am satisfied knowing that our work is going to a much deserved client with a big family and abounding hope for the future!

 Now off the the French Quarter to get beignet!

-Gabby

Who Dat?

The Cajun colloquialism is plastered on billboards leading into the city, "Who Dat?" Yet this is not a question the Bonners are being asked down in the Big Easy. Rather, they are being asked, "Which year is this for you, how many times have you been down?" The TCNJ Bonner Center has built a reputation down South for consistantly returning to provide relieve effort year after year without fail. Even in 2013, only months after Hurricane Sandy devistated New Jersey, the Bonners are back and laying down the foundations for families to reclaim their autonomy.
Though many hours of tireless work lie before the eager Freshman Bonner class, it is with great enthusiasm that hang drywall and prime walls for their final coats of paint. The next few days will be taxing, yet Bonners will be rewarded with the sheer progress that we have been making.

A second homecoming

Our first morning we enjoyed the breakfast the united saints had laid out for us and made some solid pb&j's to bring for lunch and we were on our way to St. Bernards for orientation. During the van rides I have come to appreciate all the beautiful and colorfull new Orleans houses. A graduate of Cornell gave us our intro to the organization of st. Bernards and to more indepth info about the aftermath of Katrina. I elected to be in the smaller group and me katie Regina Dj Cindy ester and noah set of to loranne hernadez's house. On the way we read her backstory which I will despense now: Loranne is a school bus driver whose rental home was completely wiped out by Katrina. She set off to buy a permanent home after the storm and she allowed at least four homeowners to back out of their contracts to sell the house to her because the houses had too much sentimental value, also because she has a huge heart :) Finally she bought a house and went through the process of cleaning out and rebuilding with the help of St Bernards and she moved into her house in 2009. Sadly she was forced to move out 3 weeks later due to drywall that was contaminated with sulfur which errodes copper wiring and causes serious health problems. So she was unable to live in or move forward with her house until she got insurance money from Isac and now me and my crew are in the final stages of finishing up the house.our two Americorp leaders are named Cynthia and Catherine and tjey are both really fun to hang out with and talk to. The first day we spackled/mudded and then sanded and today we primed the kitchen and the living room and it was so exciting to see the walls loose all of the mud spots and pencil writings underneath a nice clean layer of primer making it look like a real house! The highlight of my day was meeting Loranne she drove the school bus over to stop in and check up, she was so sweet and open to our questions and she shared everything from what she did after the storm to her grandaughters excitment for a Justin biber concert, she even made it clear that she blamed no one for the contaminated drywall and she is eager to just move in again and get settled. Personally she was just such an inspiration for someone who has lost so much more than once she is still so optimistic and happy, I hope that if I were to ever go through anything close to what she did that I would have even a fraction of her strength and positive outlook.

Welcome to WhoDat Nation

Finally getting to New Orleans was such a relief! I didn't know what I wanted to do first. French Quarter, the Superdome, and Bourbon Street. There are so many options! The work we have done so far with Rosemary`s house has been awesome and inspiring to say the least. The Bros have done work with the drywalling after learning in one day! I am definitely looking forward to the days to come!

A Streetcar Named Desire

Day 2 of New Orleans taught me the importance of teamwork. Constructing a house cannot be done by one man or woman alone--it requires the combined efforts of many. Today, that meant a team of about 6 to hang drywall to a ceiling and later a wall. The process was arduous, but never failed to bring us the satisfaction of seeing our hard work. I am slowly starting to understand the practical the importance of geometry, units of measure, and precision. While I know that I'm far from a master builder, I think that I'm slowly acquiring skills that  will help me for future service. I'm eager to see what challenges the rest of the days will bring. 

NOLA!!

Hey, I just wanted to say that this experience has been unreal and it has only been a few days! To be honest, when I first decided to come to NOLA I thought that New Orleans was not in that bad of a condition.  I thought that I would come into a normally functioning series of neighborhoods that only needed a floor done or a house painted.  To my surprise, it looked like the hurricane just ran through the place.  Lots are empty everywhere, houses are boarded up, and neighborhoods that are normally filled with hundreds of houses have only one or two that are standing.  This place needs so much help and I am so blessed that I am here.  This is definitely an eye opening experience and I hope that I can come back every year to help out.  The people here are so genuine and actually appreciate what is being done for them.  I can not wait to see what is to come for the rest of the week.

-Jennifer Snyder

New Orleans Reflection

For my fifth to New Orelans I wanted to focus my attention on impacting the group of 19 freshman. I wanted them to fall in love with a city I hope to one day call my home. I wanted them to see how much a community can rise through hurt and pain to keep fighting. I wanted them to see an X on an abandoned house and see how the effects of Katrina are still all around us. I wanted them to see the strength of homeowners who are still trying to get a roof over their heads even after seven years. I wanted them to see where our coutnry failed this city in their time of need. Most of all I wanted them to see how the devestation of Sandy will not go away once the volunteers leave the area, money dries up and news crews pack their things. These strorms run much deeper than that. They continue their devestation much after the rain stops by supressing an entire community into submission. New Orleans is still struggling to break those chains. Some people are just starting to move back while others are moving here for the first time. In these coming years we need to think of the sometimes neglected New Orleans in our Sandy relief work. Just because you don't hear of continuing problems doesn't mean they still aren't there. Communities need more than hammers and nails after this destruction. They need a kind ear, helping hand, and a wealth of patience. I believe that these freshman will gain these skils throughout their work this week. They are doing a tremendous job!

Sandy and the beginings to Nola!

During Sandy, I worked at Union Beach helping to break down a roof that landed in someones backyard after the hurricane hit. I didnt realize the amount of damage that Sandy left until seeing it with my eyes. Hearing from news reportings is one thing but experiencing it first hand was a whole another thing. This proved to be the same as we came to Nola. During the tour we visited the lower ninth ward and I realized that cleaning up and rebuilding was far from over. I must say this shocked me because being that hurricane Katrina was 8 years ago and bearly hearing anything about it in the news, one would think New Orleans was fully recovered. I am excited to continue working on the house I was assigned to and doing anything I can to help the progress of the homeowner returning to her house as fast as possible.

Prior to Sandy/Nola

Sorry I've posted this so late. I've just realized how to work the blog.

Having done community service since middle school, community service use to be nothing but hours to me. Since middle school, every school I attended required at least 60 hours of community service to be done. Being young and naïve, my instant thought was to just get it done. I did a few gardening projects here and there, afterschool tutoring, and worked with various community centers. When I got to high school, I got more involved with the All Stars project of New Jersey which opened my eyes to what service was truly about. I worked with inner city students who wanted to change their lives around and assisted them as they built their resumes and worked to find jobs in order to support their families. What use to run through my mind was “How are we the same age, live in the same city, yet have such different life circumstances”? Talking to the students individually made me realize the various trials and tribulations that they went through, but the drive I saw in their eyes made me know that they would be successful and I was contributing to their progress. This made me not only appreciate what I had but motivated me to get more involved in making my community better. As a Bonner Scholar, I knew I could do outreach in local communities but also nationally with the various trips lined up for our every academic year. Preparing to go to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and Katrina is both exciting and rewarding. It will give us the opportunity to help repair physical damage, hear about the experiences of the people who were affected and also serve as a bonding experience for our freshmen class. Nonetheless, the hard work and dedication we put into our work in both New Jersey and Nola will showcase the lasting impact of our service.

The Vieux Carre

The first day of service in New Orleans has proven to be incredibly rewarding. A brief tour of the lower 9th ward reveals that there is still much work to be done. A general malaise hangs in the air as you drive past the abandoned lots where houses once stood, and families once thrived, but it is the people who seem to find hope. What I have come to realize, rather quickly, is that New Orleanians are incredible folks. They have a certain charm and a warmth that can not help but make you smile. Many rely on the help of volunteers from groups like St. Bernard's , who work to rebuild homes and restore communities. We have been working on a home in the lower 9th which was hit hard from the storm. While at times it can seem overwhelming with the large amount of work to be done, teamwork allows for amazing efficiency--one team hanging dry wall, one painting etc.  Little by little the bare, unfurnished structure is becoming a home. The lower 9th is slowly being rebuilt and as this happens, vacant lots will once again become homes and families  be reunited.

--Steven Rodriguez 

First Blog Sandy/ Nola

So I was initially very nervous about this trip because I got all four of my wisdom teeth out on Jan second and I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to fully enjoy all the food at fun. Luckily I was feeling fine! Going into our work at sandy I was excited yet hesitant because I wasn't sure of what we were going to be doing and if I would be able to help with what they needed. When we got to our site where a whole two roofs. and first floors of a two seperate houses were washed away by the storm and plopped into someone else's backyard. The task was daunting and it seemed like it would take at least a week to complete, but we set off just picking st uff up, breaking things down and chipping away bit by bit under the guidance of our we did americorp guy named Jake. It felt great being part of a team and we I felt wreally competent and strong lifting these big parts of roof toeghther with my group. That night it was great coming toeghther with the whole group for a delicious dinner of Spagetti and meatballs, and comparing stories and reflecting on our day. I was really sore the next day but it validated the fact that I worked hard. we did a lot of the same thing and we had more people from outside groups helping us it was really great talking to other people and seeing what motivated them to come and volunteer. More americorp volunteers came also all the way from Utah and they were telling me about conserving trees. To my amazement we finished the project in TWO DAYS :D So the next day all of the bonners got toegther on a ra iny day to move piles of debris wood and cement that was piled in another home ownokers backyard. At some point in the morning a branch I was trying to pull came up and smacked me in the head and I got alittle dizzy so I took it alittle easier for the rest of the day. After lunch while I was digging I found a plastic bag full of photos so I made it my personal project to take them apart and try to salvage as many as possible. Back at the first site I had gone into the roof and sorted through a lot of possessions and I found lots of photos and even and antique wedding photo. It was really sentmental and humbling to salvage pieces of these homeowners pasts so they could bring some new memories with them to their new house someday :) That was my favorite part of the project saving pieces of peoples lives, like the letters from jail kayla found and all of the photos I saved. The drive down to Nola was exciting and fun with kayla and Laura as chaprarones and my group talked alot and jammed out. The day we got to Nola it was sticky and hot and we were all alittle tired but we were happy to finally have arrived at our destination!! We took a tour of the lower ninth and saw all of the destruction the storm caused, and walked on the leyvee which in my opinion is still too thin. Then we had an amazingly delicious lunch at mothers. I had a classic po'boy and I ate every last bit

Seven years later

After the first day of service today, I am amazed at what progress still needs to be done. While in the lower ninth ward, we could see the house we were working on from any angle, because there are so few houses left. As shockingly empty as the neighborhood was, I was inspired and excited by the work we already acomplished. We had to work together closer than many us have before, but seeing all that we got done was worth all the hard work. I am excited to see what we can do in the upcoming week and see the difference we can make in someone's life.

Returning Mementos of the Past and Looking Towards the Future

Aiding the Super storm Sandy relief efforts these past few days have caused me to be even more eager to begin working tomorrow with St. Bernard Project. Although I started out in Ortley Beach shoveling sand, which I have deemed as a necessary process in order to begin the rehabilitation of the shore, I ended my week in Union Beach, clearing out a woman's yard that now contains a landfilllike mass of things that used to be her life.  While I sifted through debris, I found a certain sense of accomplishment whenever I found anything salvageable. For I realized that I may not be able to give her her home back, but I could help to preserve her memories through returning old photographs and other items. 

After a couple thousand mile ride to New Orleans, I finally saw the city that would be my home for the next week. Traveling through the lower Ninth Ward really drove home the displacement caused by Hurticane Katrina. I could not begin to imagine that the now rural looking community once resembled the city blocks in Trenton. I have accepted the task of working to improve the living conditions of those in New Orleans. I look forward to tomorrow in hopes that I may learn from the people here as well as from an incredibly unique city. 

The Feeling After Results

At first, walking up to Prospect Avenue, I wondered how all of this work would be done in the 2 days we had to work on this project. There was damage that seemed imaginable to fix - physically and especially, emotionally. 3 roofs, Big Bertha, Crazy Dave, and determined Bonners got the job done. I remember looking at the backyard that was cleared of Sandy's remains with integrity and relief. All of our hard work actually paid off. Our project was completed. And most of all, the home owners felt like they had even more people in their corner.

Anticipation of the Known Unknown

Everyone knows the news reports. Everyone has seen the images. But I for one have not ever been there. I haven't seen it for myself. I hope I react with action and not as much of remorse. Hurricane Sandy has changed lives that may never be the same again. Our work as a group can change someone's day. It can be a positive stepping stone for their days that they know are ahead of them, but might not know how to handle it. The anticipation of the known unknown.

Putting the Pieces Back Together-Hurricane Sandy Relief

So I have really enjoyed doing Hurricane Sandy relief work over the past few days. I especially enjoyed being able to see a project from its start to its finish. On day one, Regina claimed that we would move the entirety of the wreckage of a whole house by the next day. I honestly thought she was nuts to say that we would get the whole thing done. It looked like it could take weeks, not days. But we did it! And then today we moved on to another one! It has been great to do Sandy relief work before going down to NOLA and I am so excited to return (although I am not thrilled about making the trek there again-the van ride is rough!)

Day 1

In the days leading up to this service trip I've been doing a lot of thinking about what it is we are about to do, the impact this will have on the community, and the impact it will have on myself. I wanted to write sincere words and not just blurt out some irrelevant paragraph. If we simply look around, take into account current events, the world we live in is a very broken place. Broken by factors that are easily in our control, yet we do nothing to stop. Natural disasters like the hurricane which has devastated our homes, can be traced to an ever increasing trend in extreme weather patterns. It is no surprise the environment in reacting in such a volatile manner as a response to the pressures we've put upon it to sustain our life style of infinite economic growth on a finite planet, with clearly finite resources. And even in the face of these horrible disasters, those in power do not take action to aide our most immediate of needs. The Sandy Relief money was recently blocked by Congress. It has become clear that if we want to see change in the world, then we need to be that change. I am grateful for the opportunity that the Bonner program has given me, to take a first-hand role in the effort to help those affected by this tragedy. Whenever we turn on the news we see these horrible things happening, we always wonder, why doesn’t someone do anything about that? Well, Bonner has helped me realize that I am someone and I have the capacity to do something. 

Restoring a Home and Creating New Friends

Before break started, I made the decision to not attend the New Orleans trip because I wanted to help with disaster relief in New Jersey. So while I might not be traveling with all of you to New Orleans in the upcoming week, I do look forward to working with you for the three days of New Jersey relief.

I personally have been working on New Jersey relief for the past couple of weeks doing various relief efforts with the Stafford Township Relief Center in Manahawkin and an AmeriCorps group.

During my first week of break, I worked with the Stafford Township Relief Center in Manahawkin. A toy drive was held for Sandy relief and donations of food, water, clothes, toiletries, and Christmas decorations were handed out at this event. It was my job to help people who came in and made sure that they received everything that they needed in the recovery process. Though this project was short it was an incredible experience. Everybody who came in was so grateful for the supplies that they were receiving, and all of their stories were absolutely heartbreaking. The volunteers I worked with were also very inspirational. The amount of donations that they received was unbelievable! A man even came in at one point and said that he had about 30 buckets filled with cleaning supplies to donate; this man drove all the way from Pennsylvania to donate them in person!

I also just finished working with an AmeriCorps group that was stationed in the Stafford Township Recreation Center. Throughout my time working with these AmeriCorps members I got worked on canvasing Long Beach Island as well as the surrounding areas to make sure that all the houses that needed to be gutted were; I also primarily worked on several houses and the work ranged from moving out water logged furniture to gutting a house to debris removal; and I also helped transfer damaged structures like sheds, barns, etc.

The group of AmeriCorps members that I was with was from Minnesota and they shared dozens of disaster relief stories with me—some relating to Sandy and some relating to other disasters in other countries. I absolutely loved working with them!

Unfortunately, we received heavy rains on one of the days I worked with them. Long Beach Island had flooded, completely flooded. All of the debris from houses and more from the ocean had washed up all over the island. We spent most of the following day cleaning up the debris that was on the major roads and putting them back into piles on the sides of the street.

I know that as Bonner’s some of us have to get “AmeriCorps hours”—me being one of them—but I never actually realized what that meant until I did this work. For a week I wore a vest that had the AmeriCorps logo on it and every time I walked somewhere people would come up to me and ask for help or tell me about a neighbor, friend, or relative that needed help. I could not believe it. The stories that I heard. I am really at a loss for words. I really think that once in a while Bonner should get a chance to work one-on-one with some AmeriCorps members to learn from their experiences.

I hope all of you had very happy holidays! I am really looking forward to continuing my service and reuniting with my fellow Bonners to share my experience!

--Shayna Innocenti

A House versus a Home

October 28, 2012 changed my family’s life. Hurricane Sandy flooded my house and I suddenly found myself homeless. Yes, I still had a house-like structure- but a house simply can’t be compared to a home. I can’t express the vast amount of gratitude I feel for the entire TCNJ community that supported me through the long seven weeks of my family’s displacement. It still seems odd to call myself a hurricane victim. I am ecstatic not only build hurricane victims a house, but give them a home!

Sandy brought my entire neighborhood underwater. Coming home for winter break was filled with stress and uneasiness. After all, it is not uncommon on Long Island to talk to someone that you haven’t seen in a while and ask how their house survived the storm. More times than I would like, they answer that they are in the exact same place as I am. There was about two feet of water in my first floor. Everything had to be thrown out, demolished, and completely gutted. Unfortunately, our crawl space, garage, and yard were also destroyed, along with our shed, hot tub, and pool. To put the cherry on top, insurance hasn’t exactly been helpful or generous by any means.

There was mandatory evacuation, so my family was out of the house and safe. My neighbors that decided to stay told me that the water covered the street signs, well above my head when standing on the street. I’ve heard horrifying stories about my neighbors that stayed, and many of them could have died. Eventually, National Guard was in my area attempting to rescue anyone they could reach. Every house on my block had water go into the first floor and it was heartbreaking to come home to find that only half of the houses, if that, are inhabited at the moment.

I was three months old first time my parents brought me on our boat. Obviously, I grew up on the water and the beach was just as much my home as my house is. While I have never been to the Jersey shore to enjoy the Seaside Heights boardwalk (I’ve only experienced it with Snookie and Jwow!), I felt Jersey’s pain when I saw beach houses entirely washed away with nothing left standing, our own boardwalk and beaches that I grew up on ruined, and even new inlets formed!

While working on the demolition of my own house, I was strangely detached. My brain couldn’t connect that I wasn’t helping someone else, but instead tearing apart my own house. During one of the days I spent on the shore, we surveyed immediate needs and delivered care packages around town. It is weird to think that at one point, people were coming up and down my dead end street with deliveries similar to the ones I dispersed around.

Saying that you feel pain versus actually physically feeling pain absolutely differ. Throughout all of my life, I valued service and was an extremely active volunteer and coordinator. Coming to Long Island to find that my house is no longer my home changed everything. I don’t exactly know how to put it into words, but my value of community engagement has skyrocketed to a level that it could have never hit without this devastating tragedy (silver lining!). I feel like the detachment between the volunteer and the person receiving help is now void for me.

I am so thankful to be a part of Bonner and be able to take an active role in hurricane relief. If I wasn’t a Bonner, would I have been so involved with Here for Home? Would I have been able to go to the shore every weekend? Would I have been able to go to Union Beach and New Orleans? No, no, and no.

Service kept me grounded when I didn’t have a home to fall back on. Service at the shore and in New Orleans helps tremendously to give me a piece of mind when my house is not a home. When construction is done in a few months, my house will be my home. Until then, all I can do is continue to serve others.

Regina Zick

Stepping into New Shoes

It wasn’t until a couple days ago when I stood picking out steel toed boots did the reality of this trip hit me. After months of talking about it, I was going. While of course I was excited as this thought dawned over me, I felt a slight drop in my stomach. I was actually going to don a pair of work boots and essentially work to help rebuild someone’s home. That thought alone was like an electric shock to my brain as I realized I had never done anything like this. Always having a passion for service, I have constantly sought to improve the quality of one’s education or better their lives though personal interaction. All my years of service had never included anything like this. As I packed my things and filled out the volunteer form (No, I don't have experience in roofing...or plumbing...or drywall), I became very aware of just outside of my comfort zone I will be.

In these next 12 days, I will find myself in situations I have never experienced before. But I feel ready and excited to aquire new skills and knowledge. I am very interested in gaining an understanding as well as learning from the resilience of those who have suffered great loss. Being able to see what others are going through at this time makes me even more eager to help.  I feel very blessed to have been granted with the opportunity to help both my neighbors of the Jersey Shore deal with the aftermath of recent Hurricane Sandy and the people of New Orleans who are still displaced after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Of course no one could ever claim that both tragedies were identical in nature; I am very interested in comparing and contrasting the two in hopes that I will be able to take away information that may enhance and improve the relief efforts currently in the Jersey Shore area as well as further knowledge of what actions should be taken God forbid another disaster of this nature were to happen again.   

I am proud to be traveling to the shore and NOLA as a Bonner, knowing just how great of an impact that we can make in such a short period of time.  I hope to emerge from this experience with a broader outlook.  I look forward to making a difference and doing my part so that I can ensure that when it is time for me to leave, I can walk away knowing that left these areas are in better conditions than I found them in.

These upcoming weeks...

I'm excited for the work ahead of us. Why? Because yes it does need to be done. There is a problem out there and we have the power to do something about it. But more so I'm excited because I get to rub elbows and tear up some floors with people I have most likely never met. The result of our sweaty combined efforts will hopefully create the sense of community and comradery that at times seems absent in our neighborhoods and towns. Lastly I'm mostly excited to get dirty with the people I already know and love. I can't wait to share some crazy times with y'all!

The Feeling of Helping Those Most In Need

Well, the first thing I want to say is that I'm so excited to be going on this adventure with 30ish amazing people. I can't wait to see what new experiences, new sights, new way of living this journey will brings us. I've heard tons of amazing things about New Orleans and can't wait to go do as much as I can to bring it back to it's amazing glory. Additionally, I am just as excited to help clean up the beaches and beach towns of New Jersey during the Sandy Relief. Everyone that lives in New Jersey knows how big of a summer past time they are and how important it is to clean them up for the economy and the overall happiness of New Jersey citizens.

My thoughts are all over the place right now because I'm so excited for this trip so this blog will probably be all over the place too. Fair warning.

A reason why I am so excited to go on to New Orleans is because I have a fascination with traveling. I've been to tons of places such as Peru, Argentina, Chile, and the entire Eastern coast of the United States. New Orleans will add to my list of fascinating places I have been to.

I've always had an interest in weather especially super storms of all kinds ever since I was a little kid. When Katrina was hitting New Orleans, no exaggeration, I was watching the weather reporters trying to show how bad the situation was down there on television all day. I want to see first hand, just a little bit of the damage that remains in New Orleans. It's kinda crazy that to this day, after so much time, that there is still damage that needs to be fixed and the city still has needs.

During the school year, a couple of Bonners and freshmen went to Brick to see firsthand, the damage that Super Storm Sandy caused and to help out as much as we could for a day. It was a great experience to be able to help while still being with some of your closest friends. I enjoyed it a lot and can't wait to be doing it much longer this time. I can't wait to spend quality time with my class of Bonners and to get to know each and everyone better. During the school year, I feel like no one has time for anything so I'm looking forward to spending some time with them.

I can't wait to meet the bunches of other people that have set out to doing the same quality work and have the same mission that us, Bonners, do in New Orleans. I can't wait to (stealing this from Gabby's blog) "be a source of this common hope as the week develops!" I can't wait to feel the feeling that is felt by anyone, when a person that needed so much thanks you for all the help and work you have done.  I can't wait to see what miracles can be done in these next to weeks! 

I CAN'T WAIT! AHH!

-Edric V.

The Commonality of Hope

Common. Common interests, Common struggles, common culture, and common goals all tie people together. Friendships are born through certain commonalities. As we begin our trip to serve the people effected by tragedy  of a hurricane a commonality can be recognized. Both New Jersey and New Orleans were commonly effected by a hurricane. Both states people were effected by homelessness, helplessness, idleness, hunger, and devastation. But through all the common suffering their is a common hope. This hope comes from those willing to serve. This hope stems from those with a common goal to help others overcome this common suffering.  In my opinion nothing builds a stronger community than common passions. The Bonner Community has a common goal to inflict positive change in areas in need of this change. Hurricane Relief in both New Jersey and New Orleans is a common need. I am eager to be a source of this common hope as the week develops!

So Excited!
Gabby

The Importance of Service and Empathy

 Like many of the other Bonners, I am incredibly excited to start service in the Jersey Shore area and later New Orleans. Throughout the semester, I found myself understanding that service is not only good, but absolutely essential. Its has been over 60 days since the hurricane hit and the U.S. Congress has yet to approve a bill for Sandy relief. Politics aside, something must be done in the meantime while the chambers of the house and senate are filled with heated argument over precisely how much money should be allocated for hurricane relief. It is in situations like these, when the bureaucratic system is too slow to react, that volunteers must do their bit. It is of course very unfortunate that our area has been so devastated by the undiscriminating and unrelenting wrath of Hurricane Sandy, but at the same time perhaps we can view this as an opportunity--an opportunity to truly understand the importance of service and empathy. When we begin working to rebuild New Jersey tomorrow morning, we will encounter much devastation and learn about the hardships that this natural disaster has caused. Though there may be many differences between the New Jersey, tri-state area and New Orleans, I imagine that we will find that people--wherever they are--can do truly miraculous things when faced with hard times. I don’t consider myself to be a terribly spiritual person, but there is a certain type of spirit that every human being shares when they see their neighbor (even ones who are thousands of miles away), in need. Indeed, that’s ultimately why the Bonner program exists--to instill this sense of empathy and compassion into young people. Yet, I must also remind myself, as does anyone who engages in service, to not allow any room for ego or self-righteousness. Our goal is to help people with selfless compassion. That being said, I cannot wait to get started. I hope these sentiments are not just mine, but common among all Bonners.

 Cheers!

Steven Rodriguez

And the Journey Begins

Hello, I can't believe that we're leaving tomorrow to begin our service to help in the aftermath of both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy! I have been waiting for this ever since I heard that we were going on this trip. Everyone keeps asking me why I am leaving Kearny (where I live) so early and when I tell them about the service that we are doing to help those who lost everything in these devastating hurricanes, I get the same reaction-that it is such an amazing thing that we are spending our last couple of weeks of winter break down the shore and at New Orleans doing service. 
I've never been to New Orleans so I am excited to explore there as well. I can't wait to begin this journey and bond with all of you amazing people. 
See you all tomorrow! :D
-Ashleigh Amadeo

Opportunity of a Lifetime

I remember getting that phone call from Britt back in May when she said that I had gotten into Bonner. My first thought wasn't the scholarship, the service, or the commitment. It was just knowing that I was going to New Orleans that really got me excited.

Ever since Katrina hit in 2005, I would hear so many extraordinary things about this city. A city that was annihilated by one of the worst storms to hit the country. A storm that only a few saw coming, and fewer understood to what extent it would affect the region. With so many theories, stories, and rumors surrounding what had happened in regards to evacuations and relief response (or the lack of), it was just amazing to hear how the residents of New Orleans, many homeless and devastated on mental, physical, financial and personal levels, kept up their morale. I mean I can’t wait to just meet some of these people and hear their stories because I can’t even imagine how this city still manages to be “the Big Easy” and maintain the beauty and spirit when there are still many who suffer in the aftermath of Katrina’s destruction from seven years ago. I’m just beyond excited and can’t wait to get down there, get my hands dirty, and be a part of all it.

I really don’t think the effects of Katrina and Sandy can be compared on any level. In contrast to Katrina, I think a lot of people from a local to a federal level learned a lesson when it came to evacuating and then helping in relief in regards to Sandy. It really just seems like two completely different situations because they were obviously many personal stories that many of us know about and may be able to relate to when it comes to the Jersey Shore. Having gotten a chance to volunteer at the shore before might make it a little less of an “adventure”, but that does not take away from the significance of our service in any way. I think the “Here for Home” campaign (and other organizations) did a phenomenal job and its really humbling going out there each time, but the “need” that exists along the shore towns at this time is pretty indescribable as well.

I’m just extremely grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to serve at the sites of two of the biggest catastrophes of my lifetime and hopefully am able to make a difference. Getting to experience all of this with a group of passionate and committed friends is just going to be very, very surreal.

From the East to the Easy

I am absolutely thrilled to be attending the New Orleans trip again this year. I feel like I have been waiting forever and cannot believe that this time of year has finally come around again. I can't wait to be challenge physically, mentally, and emotionally once again!

This year's trip seems to have a completeness to it, doing service in Hurricane Sandy affected areas and then in Hurricane Katrina affected areas, that will make it an experience unlike my last NOLA experience. In the next two weeks I will get my hands dirty in an area that still suffers immediate need after the hurricane just months ago and in an area that is still suffering after more than seven years of rebuilding efforts. There was much controversy over what to do regarding this trip at Bonner, and I believe that we have made the right choice in attempting to help both areas. Yes, we must help the people who are struggling in our own back yard, but we must also not forget the dedication we have made to those still struggling further away. It will certainly be interesting to compare, not the difference in the physical impacts of both Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Katrina, but to compare the way in which the world responded.

I cannot wait to get started working! I have wanted to dedicate some time to Sandy victims for some time now and New Orleans is a city that holds a special place in my heart. The next two weeks will surely be an opportune time to put in some honest hours of work towards a worthy cause, learn about our society, governance, and citizenship, and have meaningful conversations about it all. (Oh, and have the time of my life in a truly amazing city!)

Pre-Trip Thoughts

 Hi, I am extremely excited for the next two weeks of life.  Getting to spend my time doing such meaningful service is excellent and I can't think of a better way to spend the end of my vacation.

I have never really traveled.  Once I went to Canada, but I got stuck there due to a car problem and the Yankees lost to the Blue Jays...Other than that it has been New York and New Jersey.  Not complaining, just saying--it will be a new and exciting experience to see another part of the country.

I know from the pictures and news clips that the devastation from both Sandy and Katrina is terrible.  I can only imagine the difficulties that so many people are going through right now.  I think seeing it in person will bring an even deeper meaning to the service we are doing and will motivate me even more to work hard and make an impact.

I hope the freshmen have an amazing time on this journey as well.  It is a beautiful thing--to bond through service--and I know this group of students is amazing and deserves that kind of experience.

Here's to an amazing experience and meaningful service!

- Katie Kahn 

TCNJ Bonner Service Trip 2013

Hi Everyone!

This blog is made for TCNJ Bonners to share their thoughts and reflect on their experiences during the Jersey Shore and New Orleans service trip in January 2013!

Enjoy reading!!