I think that New Orleans is the best city in the world. When I was thinking about what makes New Orleans great, I realized that no one aspect of New Orleans has shaped me. Everything great is put together into one experience, all creating the experience of New Orleans. I realized this when my exchange student came from Chile. I knew I would have to take her to do everything that is “typical” to New Orleans such as the French Quarter, poboys, beignets, music festivals, and Mardi Gras parades. New Orleans is so unique, and I realized that in this city, there are so many occasions and things that no other city has. New Orleans has a spirit that shows through our culture, music, food, and most importantly, our people. Even after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the city came back better and stronger than ever. One of my favorite sayings came after this, 504ever. This saying assured New Orleanians that the city would recover and come back. As we went to experience each characteristically New Orleans feature, I realized that joy of New Orleans is not many different experiences, but everything in one. Every aspect from the Saints and Who Dat to Hurricane Katrina and the Swamp blend together to create a truly memorable cultural experience. Everything that has occurred in my life in New Orleans has made me who I am today. So many memories and emotions came to me when thinking about my life and writing on this topic. Not one part of New Orleans has shaped me into who I am, but everything and every experience in this city. I am New Orleans because of every experience, person, place, and culture.
Courtney, age 17