Boss Hat does NOLA
In January of this year I made an abrupt and brave choice to leave my home town and relocate to the Bay Area. Not only was I leaving my family and friends but I was also branching into a different aspect within my career field. Before this year, I would have never categorized myself as an “adventurous” person. I tend to be easily frightened or worried and found myself to almost give off the impression of being uptight. When in reality, I am a very self-less person. I share my mother’s innate passion to help others. For those very reasons, I wanted to embark on this new adventure- little did I know how many adventures my 28th year on this earth would actually bring me.
Once in the Bay Area, I wanted my new relationships to be with others that shared similar ideals. This was when I sought involvement with One Brick. As anyone from the Bay Area will tell you, the cost of living is kind of out of control. So when I heard of an opportunity for sponsorship to attend One Brick's New Orleans Trip I told my story and crossed my fingers. I cannot thank One Brick, the St Bernard Project, and the people of New Orleans enough for this life changing experience.
This week long trip was filled with firsts for me. I had never traveled to other states (with the exception of Las Vegas) much less had I ever traveled alone. As a child, I did not go to camp because I have always been a bit skeptical when it comes to activities outdoors, so the bunk bed style room situation at the Mustard Seed House was even a first for me. As silly as it might sound, I even felt a sense of accomplishment from surviving the top bunk. With the support and guidance of my fellow One Brick volunteers I found the courage to use TWO types of saws, climbed a few ladders and excelled in “mudding”, helped to adhere and grout tile in a bathroom, helped to cut and place base boards, amongst other small details that helped bring together the Henderson Family’s home.
Above all of my little personal accomplishments, I had the pleasure and honor to hear Mr. Henderson’s story. He sat humbly on his porch and described what sounded like a scene from a horror film. The thought of seeing bodies float by your neighborhood seems unfathomable; to make matters worse he became a victim of contractor’s fraud when trying to rebuild his family’s home of over 30 years. One of the best qualities of New Orleans is that the city is so alive. There is a sense of community that I have never truly experienced before. Mr. Henderson quickly jumped to the optimism he found within his family, his community. Joy emitted from his aura as he explained how his wife had requested all the bright colors we had painted on their new walls. They wanted these colors to symbolize the positivity of their future. Being able to step outside of my comfort zone to provide such an emotionally uplifting service is an experience I can hardly transfer into words.
My relationship with both One Brick and the city of New Orleans has only just begun. I cannot wait to return and conquer new adventures while simultaneously embracing all of the diversity and beauty the city has to offer. As I mentioned in my application for this One Brick scholarship opportunity, my primary goal was to restore a little faith in the idea of human kindness. We need to help each other grow instead of competing to grow faster, stronger, or better. We live in a society that values “entertainment” more than compassion, I may not be able to change that on my own but I welcome you all to join me in trying.
Victoria