You say you all. I say y’all
instead. It is something that just comes so naturally to me, and I do not even
notice it. It must be a Southern thing. Because I grew up here, I have a
certain twang when I talk. I only notice it when I am with people who are not
from New Orleans and am thinking “Why do they sound so funny?”, only to quickly
realize that I probably sound a thousand times stranger then they do.
Mardi Gras has greatly
influenced my understanding of people’s behaviors and personalities. I am not at
all surprised when I see men wearing dresses and wigs during Carnival season.
It is something that is not strange to me at all. In New Orleans, one of the
most influential places in my life is my school. Sacred Heart has made me who I
am today. I would not be the same girl if it were not for this school. It has
taught me everything ranging from academics to crazy New Orleans’ traditions
that I would probably not fully understand if I had not gone there. One other
different affect that New Orleans has had on me would be my ability to say that
my favorite meals consist of crawfish etouffee and beignets. I love these
foods, and I feel so bad when I meet people not from here, and they say that
they have never tried them before. It is such a shame.
Anonymous, age 15