the big easy.

I spent the last week with fellow law students in New Orleans providing legal service, exploring the city, and eating wonderful food. Most of us had never been to New Orleans and it was such a great time to both contribute to the growing economy and also personally see the devastation that the city has gone through and is still growing from. In the very touristy parts of the French Quarter, it is almost impossible to experience remnants of the difficult recent past because of all the excitement taking place.

Highlights of the trip came in the form of amazing food, great people, and fun times. Each day was sunny, warm, and chock full of memories that I will cherish for a long time. It was fantastic to spend time with new friends who are progressive and ready to make a difference through their future careers.

Here are a few photos from my time in NOLA. Not pictured is the rest of the food I had, which includes: BBQ ribs with macaroni and cheese, collard greens; bread pudding; 1/4 chicken with green salad and baked beans; muffuletta sandwich; jambalaya; gumbo; boiled crawfish; cheesy grits; shrimp po' boy sandwich; praline bacon. Basically, the food was not to be missed.














View from Kristie's and my fabulous hotel balcony, where we were able to listen to live music every afternoon and watch the St. Patrick's Day parade head down Decatur Street.

Here is a blurb of my thoughts regarding the trip: Going on the New Orleans pro bono trip was a great last spring break in law school for more because I was able to meet great progressive law students, explore a city that has been affected so much in the recent past, and learn more about the legal needs of the community. I had never been to New Orleans and touring the most impoverished areas really gave me a perspective on the city's struggles that I am sure most tourists do not even give a second thought to. There is still so much more growth that New Orleans can undergo to restore itself: from getting people to move back to the city to having legal knowledge and assistance to propel people forward. I had never dreamed that the food would be so delicious or that the people would be so friendly and hospitable. I conducted an intake interview with a longshoreman who had been discharged from his job and even through his difficult situation, he remained kind, calm, and gracious. BU's initiatives to continue these trips is such a testament to the emphasis on getting out of Boston and providing our skills to those in need. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and proud to have been a part of such an inspiring group and trip.

Now, it is absolutely crazy because commencement is exactly two months from now. The finality of this all is really starting to sink in; I am excited for what is to come (other than bar examination related matters) though I am becoming nostalgic for the memories I have made during the past three years in Boston and beyond.