Red Cross Disaster Relief

I don’t think reading and watching the news reports adequately prepared me for the sobering sight that greeted us as we drove through New Orleans East, the area most impacted by the recent tornadoes. Sheared telephone poles, tangled wires, bent metal, and felled trees were the common denominators between residential homes, gas stations and local businesses. The affected zones, though modest in size, suffered catastrophic damage. It was interesting to note that both intact and completely demolished structures stood side by side, hinting at the non-linear paths the tornadoes must’ve taken. We soon arrived at an intersection guarded by armed National Guard officers in charge of loot prevention, who immediately waved us through upon seeing the Red Cross logo emblazoned on both sides of our vehicle. As part of the disaster assessment team, our responsibility was to determine the degree of damage to each home in our assigned sectors. I was incredibly fortunate that Kurt, our crew leader, was a seasoned disaster relief responder who explained things I never thought to ask, thereby enriching my experience immeasurably.

            Thankfully, the streets we canvassed were in the penumbra, and as such they were spared from tangible loss. Still, I was awed by the morale the residents exhibited, each waving and smiling as we passed by. How terrifying it must’ve been to watch the winds tear through neighboring streets so mercilessly, wondering if your home was next! Even more humbling are the combined efforts of the Red Cross, FEMA and local groups all working altruistically towards the common goal of restoration, whether it be through damage assessment, repairs or meal provisions. It struck me anew that though New Orleans is no stranger to natural disasters, its inhabitants have again rebounded with remarkable vigor. Amidst houses on shifted foundations, rubble that was once a dwelling, and cars with shattered windows shines an indomitable spirit that is New Orleans, as evidenced by the unparalleled willingness of workers and volunteers alike to take rebuilding to task. What an absolute honor it was to partake in the relief efforts, to give back in my small way to this exceptional community.

February community service hours: 13

Caught Unaware

The initial drops were so gentle, so non-threatening that I decided against opening my umbrella. No thoughts were given to the darkening skies as I hurried from Sci High, where I’d been volunteering that morning, towards uptown Tulane campus, where I planned on catching the shuttle back to Deming Pavilion. The sudden torrential downpour came without warning so that by the time my slippery fingers successfully held the apparatus aloft, I was already drenched. Thunder and lightning became my companions, their rumbling voices taunting my legs to move faster despite the rutted walkways. My thoughts jumbled, and I wondered inanely if one was supposed to use an umbrella during lightning. Surely I would be struck? Or did that only apply to standing beneath a tree? My distress was compounded when tornado warnings from the Tulane emergency notification system sent incessant texts, instructing me to not leave class. Then came the phone calls.

“A tornado warning has been issued in your area, please remain indoors…”

I hung up each time. Frustrated, panicked, my only goal was to return to campus. When I finally arrived at my stop, I was informed that shuttle service was temporarily cancelled and given a number to call in two hours to check on the status. By this time, I wondered at my decision just hours ago to tutor. I marveled at the clear sunny skies of yesterday. I longed for dry clothes.

“Hey, we see you standing out here, would you like to come seek shelter with us?”

I turned to see a lady holding open the door to the Student Success office. Seek shelter? Is this for real?

“Exactly how serious is this tornado?” I asked as I followed her inside, where I was immediately taken to the back of the building to be with others who appeared to have also been caught unaware.

I discovered later, in my warm and dry room, that while my area was spared, others had not been so fortunate. Reports differ between the exact number of tornadoes that had touched down, but eight seemed to be pretty consistent. It saddened me to hear that the Ninth Ward, the neighborhood previously pummeled by Katrina, again suffered devastating damage. Thankfully, there were relatively few injuries and no loss of life.

Between answering concerned inquiries from families and friends and reassuring them of my well-being, I took a long hot shower, eradicating the chill from my bones. Then, at last, came blessed relief in the form of hanging up my wet clothes and putting away the umbrella that—surprisingly—survived the strong winds.

The In-Between

She greeted me with a smile, and that was all the encouragement I needed. Jordan and I easily slipped back into our routine of solving problems together, this time regarding the kinetics of chemical reactions. As it is one of my favorite topics, I tried to convey that same enjoyment to her. Admittedly, however, it is not the most intuitive, so we went through many examples. It was exceedingly pleasing to observe her enthusiasm grow proportionally to the ease with which she solved them.

            While elucidating this lesson, something unexpected struck. I had been explaining that though we may know a chemical reaction and even its equilibrium state, we are unable to determine the rate at which it had occurred with the equation as our sole informant. The chemical reaction given involves only the overall reactants and products, leaving out the intermediates in between. This is remarkably similar to all our paths. We may know our general direction, but it is impossible to predict the journeys each of us will take. I had expected to streamline from college to medical school, but here I am, somewhere I’d never imagined. And this journey has been so enriching, so full of experiences that I would never give up. I hope that as each of us continues down our respective paths, we keep in mind that each step is for a reason, and each turn holds a meaning. Because, unlike chemical reactions, the beginning and the end for us bear no significance without the middle.

January community service hours: 2

Tutee Turned Tutor

November Community Service Hours: 7.25

Fall Semester Community Service Hours: 25.75

“Okay, so this is what you do.”

Amused, I watched my student as she assumed an authoritative air, taking on the role of a teacher. I had asked her to explain acids and bases to another student and the transformation was immediate. Encouraged by my occasional nods of agreement, her confidence soared in her knowledge, which has been my goal all along. 

Jordan has been the one constant student since my first day at SciHigh so I feel personally invested in her academic performance. She has blossomed from a largely uninterested pupil to now an eager teacher. I love seeing her excitement, especially when she discovered the other student asked the same questions Jordan herself had asked me moments earlier. Our friendship has grown to the point where she is comfortable asking so-called dumb questions, which I reassured her were actually fundamental to the building blocks of chemistry and stressed the importance of laying a solid foundation in all areas for her future studies.

As a pre-medical student, I have always viewed tutoring as a side activity, failing to acknowledge the similarities to medicine. However, I am fast discovering how fulfilling it is to forge a longitudinal relationship with Jordan. It is rewarding to monitor her progress and celebrate achievements together, much like the satisfaction I derived as a scribe, when I followed patients throughout their hospital stays and beyond. This is what I will be searching for as I pursue a career in medicine; to be a friend, counselor and confidante to my patients and their families. I cannot think of a greater source of contentment than to continue being a role model by showing others this is what I do. 

Learning from my Students

“Miss Samantha! Miss Samantha!”

            I looked up to see my student from last week, rushing towards me with nearly palpable excitement. Her voice rang with pride as she revealed the results of a recent exam, the best she’s performed. It was incredibly rewarding to have played a role in her success, satisfying to share my love of chemistry and so very heartwarming to see pride in academic achievements. However, I couldn’t help but wonder that if she’d benefitted thus from my one session with her, how far could she, the other students, or really any of us go with individualized attention? Each of us houses such untapped potential that could be realized with timely encouragement, support, or even a simple nudge in the right direction. Extrapolating further, I wondered about the individuals whose words unknowingly turned me onto my path and whose hands propelled me through obstacles. I sincerely hope that my appreciation for their guidance is reflected in my actions, words and heart of service.

            That night, I thanked my dad for his endless support. I told him about another student earlier who had asked me “how is this going to help pay my bills?” with regards to our lesson on periodic table trends. To my chagrin, I did not have an immediate answer. I have been blessed to always have food in my stomach, clothes on my back and a warm place to sleep. How differently would I have turned out had I had monetary stressors? I still don’t have an answer. All I know is that I want to help these students discover their passions and talents, whether it’s in chemistry or elsewhere. I want to be their tutor, mentor, and maybe even friend. Most of all, I want to see more of my students take pride in their academic accomplishments until they’re literally bursting with the need for others to share in their joy.


October community service hours: 9

Following Love

Time has been a ceaseless flow

Feels as though we just said “hello!”

This year is moving fast to be sure

But in my knowledge I’m very secure

From cancer, anemia and EKG

To arrhythmias, malaria and cardiac physiology

Flying through the Heme-Onc block

Truly was a race against the clock

But with support from professors and friends

I’m piecing together the beginnings and the ends

Of numerous disease pathologies

Juxtaposing our elegant biology

There’s still much to learn, this I concede

I’m pursuing my love, following its lead

But what separates today from the ones past

Is the start of tutoring at SciHigh at last

Jointly detangling the web of mysteries

Renewed my own passion for chemistry

The spark of understanding in her eyes

As we uncovered where her confusion lies

The flash of interest was reason enough

To delve deeper, past the basic to the tough

This joy in teaching and passion to share

Are, for me, scarcely found elsewhere

What other wonders will I see?

This time next month, where will I be?

The adventures here cannot be bought

Nor the friendships formed, the lessons taught

It’s grateful I am, each day I rise

For I am fortunate, this I realize

To love the now and the to-come

This I say without a qualm

I’ve fallen in love without a net

No looking back and no regrets

For NOLA has been so good to me

Where it leads is where I want to be

September community service hours: 5.5

The Wake of Time

This past week there was an important test

Between classes and studying there was no time to rest

More terms to memorize, more notes to review

Wondering if I bit off more than I could chew

Silently I repeatedly declared

After the test I will go out for fresh air

I’ll walk down each street with no goal in mind

No longer the prisoner to my room confined

I’ll window shop to my heart’s desire

Feeling my spirits soar higher and higher

And when I return as a woman freed

I’ll read that book I’ve been wanting to read

And make the dish I’ve been wanting to make

And bake the bread I’ve been wanting to bake

But after the exam foremost in my head

Was not the book, dish or even the bread

But an overwhelming need to sleep

To feel the oblivion dragging me deep

To let go of the weights from that week

And succumb with cool sheets against my cheek

When I awoke the skies were violet hued

The day was gone I glumly conclude

During my slumber I’d been left in Time’s wake

Wondering if I’d made another mistake

Now as I study I’ve come to realize

One can lose much with eyes on the prize

And enjoyment shouldn’t come after the test

To this I can wholeheartedly attest

Even while under the grasps of stress

And the crushing domination of duress

There’s a reason to laugh, a reason to smile

To cherish living all the while

So read your book and eat that cake

Take the dance class you’ve always wanted to take

Sing from your soul until the windows shake

Race with yourself on feet without brakes

And when opportunities come, grab and take

Lest Time leaves you in its wake