Fulbright FLTA Newsletter

Experiencing an American Disaster

Weeks before Beloit College let out for spring break, I wondered what I would be doing with my week off. A few ideas crossed my mind whether I would go to Miami where a friend of mine invited me to visit her or perhaps stay at school and work on getting ahead in my studies and teaching responsibilities. While checking my email, there was a college message asking if anyone would like to go to New Orleans to volunteer with Common Ground, a grassroots organization designed to help clean up after Hurricane Katrina They are responsible for the gutting of homes and helping out in the 9th Ward. I immediately felt a sense of responsibility to devote one week of my life to those in absolute need. I decided that the best spring break would be devoted to helping others and documenting my entire experience on paper, video, and camera. 

I felt that I had to go and see what was going on in New Orleans and then share it with other FLTAs.  My decision to go there was based on the fact that I believed important work could be done. However, I do not have any carpentry or medical skills, but I do not feel that my most important contribution was the work I put into gutting a house. That was helpful, but I think the most significant result of my trip down to New Orleans are the stories and pictures I’ve brought back to share with other Beloit College’s students, FLTAs, my friends, or my family at home. While we were in New Orleans, we spent a lot of time listening to first hand testimony about what happened before, during and after the storm from community members who struggled to survive during the tsunami.

By the time the Beloit group arrived at Common Ground, I began to feel a sense of reality. An unfamiliar feeling came over me while watching the news covering Katrina. There was no emotion until I saw with my own eyes the devastation and talk with those who lost everything. The Beloit group of 14 was divided into two groups. I was in the group responsible for gutting houses. During the week, we were assigned a group leader. The house we gutted belonged to a family that had evacuated to Arizona for a year and a half. They decided to move back as soon as Common Ground offered a gutting team and a legal clinic for free. And most importantly, the family was signaled that incredible efforts were being made to bring people like them back to heal a community. They knew they were dependable people who cared for them; they would not have to face their hardship alone.

We worked from 9am until 3:30pm everyday with a lunch break at about noon. I never have seen such filth as I did in these homes. We removed all objects, cloths, furniture, and much more, and threw everything along the street for the city to eventually pick up.

However, I gained tremendous motivation when I would come across family photos while cleaning up. Seeing the individuals who lived in the house broke my heart. I never cry for anything, but I could not restrain myself. Tears would come out and anger soon after. I washed the dishes and pots after the volunteers finished their dinner and my grief made me work faster and harder - even right before my departure back to Beloit. Then, I left the place where I used wash dishes and immediately got on the bus.

I was constantly being thanked by members of the 9th ward community for my help, which I did not unexpected, however. The way they incorporated me into their community and made me feel like I was part of it really touched me. I became one of their friends and, in essence, one of them almost instantly.

I learned that there are greater things in life than mere material items and that humanity is something that all of us need to focus on. I also learned that there were 250,000 homes destroyed in Louisiana, and approximately only 1,000 have been gutted and rebuilt within a year and a half in the 9th Ward. Lastly, I learned the truth, which was exactly what I came to see and experience. I listened to 9th Ward residents tell me their stories and, I was able to feel an overwhelming emotion: the truth that comes from the heart. Every time, I would get chills hearing those people speak and, at times, I would cry because it hurt so much to see people in such devastating anguish. I am thankful for my experience in New Orleans because it enlightened me and made me feel a sense of humanity. I truly learned of the devastation Hurricane Katrina brought in the 9th Ward - first hand.

Take My Advice

Excitement, anxieties, a sense of achievement - it’s a combination of feelings. You have been wishing for it for years, and now you have achieved it- your FLTA Fulbright scholarship. For me, it has been a landmark in my life. After almost 9 months of my scholarship, I would like to share some tips for future FLTAs:  

Be realistic!

Before coming to the US, we tend to idealize and dream of the perfect, harmonious FLTA experience. It can be hard but try to make your expectations realistic. This is not to say one should go to the other extreme and be negative and pessimistic. But it’s important not to deceive oneself about what one’s life and experience as an FLTA will be like. 

It’s a small world.

FLTAs are generally located in small universities and small communities. In my view, this has many advantages. Most American universities offer a variety of clubs, community services, concerts, talks and sports events. By taking part in them, I started to feel part of my community. Since it’s a small university, it’s easier to feel a sense of belonging. Besides, all university events are cultural experiences and helped me gain more insights into American culture.  For instance, basketball games are a big event in my university and I haven’t missed any. So do get involved! 

How to make friends?

Another advantage of being in a small university is that it’s easier to meet new people and make friends. However, being shut in your room all day is hardly the way. Personally, I have made new friends by opening to the campus community. I have realized that you are more likely to make friends with Americans by doing activities together. So, going to the gym, having lunch or dinner at the school cafeteria, doing community work, or joining a club can be great opportunities to meet people that share your same interests.  

Sharing your culture.

The first day of classes I walked into the classroom, introduced myself and pointed to Argentina in the map. I was from that country on the other end of the world. I remember I then asked my students in which countries Spanish was spoken. The spontaneous answer from all students was “Brazil”- to much dismay, that’s one of the few Latin American countries where Spanish is not spoken. That small incident made me realize the responsibility I had to broaden my students’ minds about the Latin American/Hispanic world. I remember I was very excited to show my culture. To my disappointment, I realized my students were not very curious to learn about my culture. However, little by little, I managed to engage students in cultural activities such as songs, videos, readings about cultural issues, even trying mate – a type of Argentine tea! I realized that it is you as a TA who should start cultural activities without waiting for colleagues or supervisors to take the first step. For example, in my university there isn’t a Spanish club. So, the other Spanish TA and I decided to start a conversation table where students could speak in a relaxed atmosphere as well as learn more the culture.  

Organization, a key to success.

Writing papers, studying, preparing classes, preparing cultural materials - being a TA can sometimes be overwhelming. I know we all tend to procrastinate on our work. However, from experience I can say organization is definitively a key to success. I am not a particularly well-organized person, but throughout my FLTA experience, I have learned to plan things with a bit more time in advance. A strategy that has worked for me is writing down a plan for each day and week. You won’t believe me, but E-mailing and chatting with family and friends can be very time-consuming. So, make sure you budget time to include a variety of activities in your day. Planning also includes time during school breaks. There are several breaks during the year, and most students go home. I wouldn’t like to stay at the university. Besides, visiting other places was good for a change. During the breaks, I traveled to many cities in the U.S., and, on occasion, visited other Fulbrighters. So, get in contact with other FLTAs or Fulbrighters and start choosing your destination! 

Personal maturation.

All in all, the FLTA experience has helped me grow as a person. It has been very enjoyable and rewarding. I cannot deny that I have encountered difficulties. Some moments are challenging and require thoughtful decisions. Being away from home, one achieves more self-confidence and maturity to deal with hard situations.  I think that tolerance, patience, creativity and the ability to negotiate are crucial to finding successful solutions. If you find yourself struggling, especially at the beginning, don’t hesitate to contact other FLTAs from your same country. Maybe they are going through similar difficulties, and you can help and support each other. 

Your year is ahead of you. Your year is in your hands. Your year will be what you will make of it!