Many Sundays ago, I realized it was once again time to blog and as usual, I struggled to arrive upon a subject worthy of consideration. As I sat at Rue de la Course (a quaint, coffee shop located on Magazine Street) with others from the program, I asked out loud, “What should I write about?” “Me!” was the emphatic response from the three people closest to me. I figured those replies warranted an entry on the diverse individuals I have had the pleasure of getting to know these past several weeks. Ashley said it was odd that no one had written about the people on the program, so I guess I will be a pioneer and explore the many personalities encountered on the 6th floor. Of course what I write are merely basic character summaries, but hopefully, I have expanded on them since June 1 as my time in NOLA draws to an end.
My first interaction with everyone on DukeEngage NOLA was at our group’s workshop. Upon seeing them sitting around eating Dillo, I thought to myself, “This summer will suck.” I thought this because I did not personally know any of the people around me besides Shantel. They were strangers, just faces I had sometime seen walking to class, eating at the Loop, or studying in Perkins. However, as my close proximity to New Orleans has led me to embrace the city, my close proximity to those once-strangers has led me to embrace them as friends.
I would like to preface the following summaries by saying that I have the utmost respect for everyone on this program and that nothing I write below is meant to be sarcastic or offensive.
Suite 606: The DukeEngage Big Sisters + Sushi
Samantha – Despite knowing only one opera singer, she is my favorite. We have become close since Essence Fest when she gave me pin-curls, giving me a new look and a chance to get to know one another. We take cute pictures, which are many times cuter than pictures of two other NOLA folk. I love hearing her “whomp whomps” and “Not ____!” comments, and over many crazy nights/adventures, Sam has become someone whom I enjoy long, random-themed talks.
Shantel – I met Shantel sophomore year as we both worked as student trainers for the Duke Football team. If I could describe her in one word, it would be “fierce,” because she is such an independent and strong individual. Even though I know that she will always laugh at my “foolishness” or shake her head whenever I’m being “reckless,” she is a very caring person and I know that she will be there whenever I need a hug or someone to listen to me rant.
Candace – Candace is our group’s international traveler as she has been off this continent since starting this program. She always seems cheerful and bubbly, and very little (from what I’ve seen) phases her. She and I bonded over a game of I.O.T. (Inside, Outside, Tim), and despite a fierce competition concerning how photogenic we are, we’ve managed to stay civil and even disclose top secret information, most of which is extremely comical, to each other.
Sushma – I went on my first date in NOLA with Sushma. She and I are similar academically (BME/Pre-Med), and I appreciate having someone around who is an average enginerd like me. We have become friends the past three weeks through our love of making messes in the kitchen, and although we’re HAMs (our experiences can only be described as “sham-bolic”), we both still emphatically ask “Can we live?!” and wonder, “When’s the next rain?”
Suite 604: Home, Suite Home…
Margaret – Looking at Margaret, one would think she was just a typical southern belle, complete with a love of Southern fare and powerful Southern accent (Just ask the staff at NOMA). However, she did not earn the title of “Modern-day Scarlett” (O’Hara, obviously) without a reason. She can curse like a sailor when the occasion calls for it, and she is resilient as seen through her experiences of helping the students of LHA. Additionally, she is an immaculate dresser.
Felicia – This girl has tons of willpower. I know this because she has remained vegetarian in NOLA, not giving into local delicacies of po-boys and jambalaya. Major props must be given to her because she has escaped all DukeEngage shenanigans unscathed (sans the brownie-fire incident), making her the sanest person in the suite. She is also generous (Thank you for all the free pasta dinners/brownies and for helping out at Green Library), which is something to be admired.
Carla – She’s the program’s dancing queen and if I had her stamina, I would be dancing all night, too. Though we jokingly say that she has no filter, what I most admire about Carla is her blunt honesty. Sometimes all we want is an honest opinion, regardless what we want to hear. One of my unforgettable memories of this trip is of us dancing on stage with Big Sam’s Funky Nation, and looking back, she helped open up Chris Brown dance moves and New Orleans to me.
Suite 602: Instead of going to the circus, save yourself the money and venture into this suite if you’re looking for clowns. You can point and laugh at these fellows for free. Kidding. Maybe.
Tim – Let’s be honest. He’s just so vain. When he plays ultimate, he often catches himself staring at his bicep because the sweat glistens and helps define that muscle. Tim has been my personal trainer for the summer, helping to kick my butt back into shape after my sedentary MCAT period. Tim also has ridiculous dance moves, which he adeptly showed during the first group icebreaker, and I think he has a career in pop music. “I’m Tim Burns. What’s your name?”
Luke – Though he ranks in the bottom 50% (#856) of my friend list, I have gotten to know this fellow marathoner pretty well, or at least well enough to know that he is denial (You are emo. Live it. Love it. Own it.). He likes sleeping, but also reigns as the caffeine king, downing coffee like a fish. He epitomizes carpe diem in his efforts to appreciate New Orleans to its fullest, and despite some quirks (e.g. bunnies), it is chill to hang out with him. Just don’t play him in Uno.
Ryan – In short, Ryan is a “big hunk of man.” I don’t know how he keeps the fawning ladies at bay because with one boyish-grin and blue/green-eyed glance, you’re thunderstruck. I appreciate his sharp wit, sarcastic, but engaging blog posts, and confidence because not many people can own a room quite like Big Bird (especially in DC Comics PJs). Though his basketball game needs some work (HORSE), I find comfort in knowing there is a man among the boys of 602.
Danny – Until a few days ago, my first thought concerning Danny was “Get this boy some milk!” From his mishaps, one would think he was a klutz. This statement is untrue in the context of life, because despite only being a rising sophomore, he has more life direction than many rising seniors. He is hardworking and dedicated to his internship; he has been spotted working on stuff for his internship after hours. Additionally, I am thankful for him introducing me to Dexter.
Suite 601: Potpourri + Baking Central
Lauren – As our group’s “Recovering RA,” it’s only fitting we made sure Lauren had her share of crazy moments, pushing her to jokingly say, “You’ve ruined me!” What is most unforgettable about Lauren is not her distinctive and ¬catching giggle or her big, blue eyes, but her caring nature as episodes from this summer have shown. Although we see wearing heels very differently (Her: Eh, heels / Me: The higher, the better), I’m glad we agree on two things: eyeliner and SATC.
Abby – This shirt describes Abby pretty well, hence why it is in her possession. Looking at her, one might think that she is prim and proper, but watch out! She is quite the deadly fighter as she attacks with her patented high-elbow offense from up high, which prevents even the most skilled combatant (e.g. Tim, a wrestler of thirteen-years) from retaliation. Additionally, she can strike some killer poses, and she can make men cower in fear with just one glance.
Britney – Britney is one of the most put-together people I have ever met. This characteristic covers everything from her daily dress (sans that pair of zipper-back Tommy Jeans) to her general way of carrying herself (e.g. her smooth handling of the recent transportation dilemma – Thanks for being a lifesaver!). I’ve never heard her say anything petty or unwarranted, which is a trait I strive to attain one day. She just epitomizes class.
Bonnie – Though people think Bonnie is a quiet individual, I have gotten to see the opposite. She and I have bonded over our mutual Asian culture shock experience upon getting to Duke during a meal at Café Maspero. We’ve learned that we also share other similarities (e.g. favorite Project Runway designers, Cheesecake Factory cheesecake) and despite her reserved demeanor, I have seen glimpses of Bonnie’s crazy side. Just ask her about rainy days and slip n’ slides.
Megan – I cannot believe I had not crossed paths with Meg before this trip because we share a fair number of close friends (The Brick?) In my opinion, Meg is the most outspoken, yet eloquent, person on this trip and she’s not afraid to tell you her educated views (Thanks to slate.com). I wouldn’t have survived this summer without our Gchat conversations, talks about “feelings,” and a three-letter word. NBD! Also, she makes wonderful chocolate birthday cakes shaped like hats.
With over 15,000 performers and over 90,000 onlookers, it was over-the-top, colorful, awe-inspiring, and intimidating. China is the largest country to host the Olympics (Greece is the smallest country ever to do so), so expectations were for everything to be bigger and better. From the fireworks to the magnitude of people on the floor, they made me wonder if computers were used to create illusions, except they obviously didn't. I just can't imagine how much practice it must have taken to get such rhythm and precision as seen during the kung fu and acrobatic performances.
