Brittany - I am New Orleans

I am New Orleans because of some unique qualities of my family. I live on the "westbank", the opposite side of the river from New Orleans. I live closer to the swamp than many of my friends. I grew up in a hunting family where we kill what we eat. I also am used to living on the water and using the resources around me. My dad owns an airboat swamp tour business. We offer tours to tourists and curious natives to explore the swamp and see some of the native wildlife. Because of what my family does it gives me a background that is different from my other peers. Not many of my friends can say they have swum with alligators. It helps me notice the environment around me and become more aware of the earth. This has given me a love for animals. I have had some very wild pets that include alligators, nutria, rabbits, raccoons and turtles. I have enjoyed these pets and we treat them as if they were a household dog. Also because we live in the south, New Orleans is an area subject to frequent hurricanes. My family has been lucky and has never been majorly affected by a hurricane. The past few years we have not had any major ones and have been very fortunate.  When New Orleans is in the path of a hurricane, my family has many more responsibilities than the average home.  We have around 4 buses, 10-15 boats, multiple alligators, including 2 albino ones, a raccoon plus my family Labrador retriever. When we have to evacuate it is always a challenge that requires many helping hands. These differences make me truly not able to fit in anywhere else in the country, I am truly New Orleans.

- Brittany, age 16