Caroline - Heat

New Orleans weather

Escaping the heat, it’s impossible to beat

89 degree weather, oh it has been better

But you wait for summer

And don’t realize it’s a bummer

Cause the temperature rises

But just when you think you’re tired of it

You’re persuaded to get through it

But don’t sweat the small stuff

Because what you think is rough

After all, ain’t so tough 

Caroline, age 16

Caroline - Home

If you were to ask a New Orleans resident what home means to them

Their answer would most likely be along the lines of

The memories to be cherished and the traditions that never disappear

New Orleans is a place of unique culture that you will never forget

The community that we are surrounded by makes us grateful

And when asked if there is another place that they would live

Their answer would be no

Because the unforgettable atmosphere is nothing you will experience

If you lived anywhere else

Caroline, age 16

Caroline - NOLA Greetings

When I think of New Orleans

I don’t just think of Bourbon Street

I think of Southern Hospitality

People in the south

They’re warm and welcoming to the visitors

Our salutations are meaningful

That doesn’t mean we’re corny and mushy

We just know how to have a good time

And that’s not all

Wherever we turn

We’re able to accept the people around us

People don’t forget their experience in our city

And it’s because no one is like us

It’s a venture you’ll never forget

Caroline, age 16

Caroline - NOLA Myths

It takes a lifetime in New Orleans to even begin to know how to accurately describe it. The reason there are so many myths about this unique place is because anyone who has experienced it is burning with the desire to share it with people around them. I feel like it is almost safe to say nearly everyone in the US is aware of New Orleans’ wild reputation. The reason I say this is because I come from New Orleans I have developed the ability to engage in conversation with anyone. For example on the ski lift, you and the stranger you’re sitting with will go through the typical “so where are you from?” conversation. There has never been an instance where I have received a “WOW! That is so cool!” reaction. But of course, it is followed by a bunch of questions involving the myths of the city and Hurricane Katrina. I do my very best to explain to them my personal experience involving the myths but I by no means am capable of speaking on behalf of the whole city for there is not one myth I can even think of that does not come from some ounce of truth. Mardi Gras is the craziest time of year, I have participated in quite a few second lines, I do eat red beans and rice on a weekly basis, etc. I think in order for one to dispel a myth they’ll just have to come here and see for themselves.

Caroline, age 15

Caroline - Winter in NOLA

New Orleans at Christmas time

So much joy to fill the air

Jingle Bells ringing everywhere

Happiness spread throughout the city

If only this season could last forever

The bright lights blinking at night

No wonder they shine more and more

The fire place to keep you warm

And family to make everything merry

The Christmas tree to hover over the presents

There might be no snow

But Christmas is always special in the Big Easy

Caroline, age 15

Caroline - Winter in NOLA

When it is winter in New Orleans

You never see snow,

But when you see it every few years

It is such a wonderful thing,

That schools all over the city

Will let the students leave class and exams

For this once in a lifetime treat.

Speaking of snowing in New Orleans,

Back when I believed in Santa Claus,

I begged him to bring us snow on Christmas Day 2004,

And that present was given to me. 

Strange huh? 

I’ll never forget my eight-inch snowman

Who melted within an hour. 

Caroline, age 16

Caroline - There's a Feeling in the Air...

A feeling of Thanksgiving

There’s a feeling in the air
A feeling of thankfulness
A time to give thanks
A feeling of celebration
A time to celebrate
A feeling of feast
A time to eat
A feeling of family
A time to love
A feeling a blessings
A time to be blessed
A feeling of tradition
A time to reunite
There’s a feeling in the air

Caroline, age 15

Caroline - There's a Feeling in the Air...

It is fall in New Orleans
And there is a feeling in the air
A strange, indecisive feeling
One day hot and humid,
One day cold and windy

But it is November
Shouldn’t it be cold?

Not here, not here.
That is how the weather is,
And how it will always be.
Deal with it. No complaining allowed.

Caroline, age 16