Tuesday, January 10, 2006
 Jonathan Flax, College of Arts & Sciences
Following an intense Monday gutting two homes in the hard-hit lower ninth ward, five of us - myself, Beth, Kathryn, Jay and Anna O. - shifted gears, took off the surgical masks and leather gloves for a moment, and spent two class periods at Xavier Prep (our home away from home) talking to seniors about college.
We were heartened by some of the responses we received, as nearly all of the seniors we spoke to expressed at least an abstract desire to attend some form of higher education. They asked excellent questions and we did our best to field queries on subjects ranging from financial aid, admissions deadlines, food, athletics, papers and dirty dorm rooms. Some of the seniors seemed to be on the ball with deadlines - which is incredible considering what they have been through over the last four months - but had a long way to go with financial aid. For instance, several students told us that their parents were reluctant to file the requisite FAFSA (Federal Application For Student Aid) form since they did not feel that it was entirely secure. Who can blame them for being less than fully trusting of the federal government at a time like this?
Personally, I was glad to have made a connection with a senior who wanted to be a journalist and who asked me questions about the role of the media and how journalists manage to hold their personal opinions in check when they write their stories. Another told us all how her college entrance essay had focused on her experience of being displaced for a few months in Houston and attending a school with white students for the first time. She believed that this was a good preparation for what she would face in college.
We offered to read their application essays, help them find Universities to apply to, and assist them with financial aid issues the rest of the week. Yet another drop in the bucket -- just like our sweaty gutting of a few heavily damaged homes -- but an essential one.
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