CUNYAC Goodwill Tour 2011 -- New Orleans, LA -- Day 1

Early Morning Flight

Marking the first CUNYAC Goodwill Tour since the 2007 Baseball trip to Italy, students and staff picked from a cross-section of campuses; sports and programs from the City University of New York, departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport this morning at 6:30 am Eastern Standard Time and arrived in New Orleans' Louis Armstrong International Airport at 9 am Central Standard Time.

The diverse group's first adventure was the flight itself as it marked the first time on an airplane for two of the students, Kimberly Battle of City Tech and Ja'net Goodwin of Medgar Evers.  "I felt nervous and a little anxious as it was my first time being on a plane," said Goodwin.  "I asked everyone on my Facebook page to pray."

Getting To Know New Orleans

While the early morning departure left most of the party weary-eyed, it was a great opportunity to get to know the city that would be the focus of the tour's efforts.  When the group arrived at Annunciation Mission, their home for the next 10 days, they began to receive an education about New Orleans and the city's post-Katrina plight.

Duane Nettles, the Director, spoke passionately about the focus of the mission, the history of New Orleans and its people, and the work that the CUNYAC Goodwill Tour would be doing over the next ten days. 

"The most important thing that you all are going to do is arriving today," said Mr. Nettles. He hammered home the point that the city did not receive the much needed help from different forms of government.  As much as the community service would physically help New Orleans, the act of being here and helping is far more important to the people trying to rebuild.   

The students and staff of the CUNYAC were touched by these words.  "The people seem genuine," said Herschel Jenkins of the College of Staten Island. "They are here because they want to be.  I was reminded of my hometown of Newark, New Jersey," continued the sophomore men's basketball player.

After settling in at the Mission, the Tour continued to the French Quarter for lunch at The Old Coffee Pot Restaurant.  At the traditional New Orleans eatery, Po' Boys, Jambalaya and Etouffee filled the table.  Also in New Orleans form, the waitress performed a rendition of an Aretha Franklin song, followed by a traditional gospel.  "Her impromptu performance was spectular," said Gloria Cavallaro of Queens College.  "She had genuine soul and I really enjoyed it."

Following lunch, a tour conducted by the French Quarter Visitors Center included a brief history of the settlement of New Orleans.  April, the tour guide, also discussed the architecture and cuisine of New Orleans as well as the preparation the city has made for the threat of future hurricanes.

Reflections On Day 1

The itinerary brought the collection of CUNY staff & students back to the mission for dinner.  The group then met to discuss the days events.  A common theme that was learned by all was how close a bond  New Orleans natives feel to their home.  "Coming from New York, it was different to see such a strong bond in the community," said Danielle Maresca of Brooklyn College.  "It is nice to see that people are so welcoming and appreciative."

"The mission is impressive," said Hunter College Athletic Academic Support Coordinator Shannon Roberts.  "The staff's willingness to make this feel like home makes me appreciate staying here rather than a hotel.  It lends to the experience that we are seeking in helping New Orleans and its people."

Back Home For One

One of the highlights of Day One was the return home for Hostos Community College volleyball player, Bavarly Guity, who lived in New Orleans with her family during Katrina.  She was actually on a two-week vacation in New York City when the storm hit but was unable to move back to New Orleans for some time, forcing her to relocate to Houston and then Alabama before eventualy returning to New Orleans.  She chose to leave her family in New Orleans to move to the Bronx and live with her grandmother.  While she has been back home to New Orleans a few times since she moved, the last time was just over a year ago on Mother's Day of 2010. 

Tonight she was able to see her mother for the first time since the 2010 visit.  Being back home and taking part in the days events with the Tour stirred up some emotions for the sophomore.  "I am excited to be back home," said Guity  "I don't know what to expect.  It looks like they are rebuilding but I haven't seen my old neighborhood yet." 

Guity was very impressed with her peers and their level of dedication. "The fact that everyone is really interested in the culture, history, food and even the state flower-the Magnolia. "it warms my heart to know that people from other states are looking out for New Orleans."

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