Jade - NOLA Influences

New Orleans itself has influenced me so much? Something more specific? Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart has recently became a huge part of my life

Although it happened so quickly I would not want it any other way

From all the homework and papers, to all the fun and surprises; I've never imagined such an amazing high school experience

Before Sacred Heart things were different, Huge school, Small town

You know when something isn't for you, and that's the way I felt

Spending the day at Sacred Heart felt like home

The people influenced me, they accepted me when they didn't know me

The teachers influenced me, they gave me a warm welcome and told me, "I hope to see you next year "

It's the simple things like that, that can influence a person

The teachers, my peers, the fun, activities = Academy of Sacred Heart

I wouldn't change my experience for anything because this has been the biggest influence yet

And yet, POSITIVE! 

Jade, age 15

Jade - Home

The definition of home- Return by instinct to its territory after leaving it
That’s what home is to the residence of New Orleans
No matter what, there will be a return
A return to the happiness, the festivals, the food, the music
All of those things make New Orleans home, but nothing more than the people
Together we're a family that will stick together
That's home

Jade, age 15

Jade - NOLA Greetings

On any Saturday at Plum St
A line of people can be awaiting my arrival
As I walk up to the stand
People always give me a warm smile
The smiles always make my day
In some places this is considered foreign
"How are you doing today"
"What's been going on"
The workers always remember me
And nicely approach  me
As I get my snowball
And start to leave
Ms. Linda says
" Have a nice day baby, come back"

Jade, age 16

Jade - Down in New Orleans...

Down in New Orleans is all about fun
We don't get in fights, we just love one another as one
Problems do arise and we all stick together
Just like one happy family, in it, together forever
We've been through a lot, just as a city alone
From being flooded to the oil spill, but we never leave one another alone
We're a big ole family, down in New Orleans

Jade, age 15

Jade - NOLA Myths

New Orleans isn't what everyone thinks it's out to be.
Partying every night? We actually go to school and learn.
Bourbon every night? I've been on Bourbon with my mom twice.
Being on the roofs fighting for our lives during Katrina? I left before.
VooDoo? I've never even been to a fortune teller.
Sleeping outside in tents for Mardi Gras? Never done that either.

There's more to New Orleans than the spooky fortune tellers and the
crazy parties.

Jade, age 15

Jade - Winter in NOLA

Cold mornings, colder nights

Christmas in the Oaks

No fights

Unforgettable nights

Uggs, and a Northface

Hot coco and marshmallows

Bonfires and friends

O, Nola nights!

Jade, age 15