As I drove passed the Welcome to Louisiana sign, my mind started to race. This is where I will be for the next year while I attend Tulane University's master program in pharmacology. The reality hadn't quite set in just yet as I looked at all the oddly named roads. I am going to have some serious trouble navigating here, I thought to myself. Maybe I will make some local friends who could teach me how to pronounce "Dalrymple." As I pull up to one of my prospective rental duplexes, I wasn't sure if I was more excited or more nervous. I had never been to New Orleans before or know anyone here. Now that I have been here for two months I can see why it has the reputation of being the coolest city in the US. The city has a rich history and culture combined with the souther hospitality and creole cuisine. It's enough to make any visitor forget about home. I've gained twelve pounds in two months and I regret nothing! Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity was a new experience for me. I was not very excited about working in the Louisiana heat and humidity when I signed up, but working with several of my new friends from the program the time flew by fast. We had a blast and the visible progress we made on the house was more satisfying than I could've imagined. .jpeg)
