Nithin Pusapati
Whether it was our group outing to Oak Alley plantation, or the time I went to the Beyonce and Jay-Z concert, DukeEngage NOLA has been fun in so many ways. I’ve had a blast working with Rodney, Michael, and Stefanie this summer, especially because I learned so much about what it means to work in a non-profit with such impactful community based goals like NO/AIDS’s. I’m proud that Erica and I have been able to impact NO/AIDS’s Development department through our Dining Out For Life campaign and other work. I hope that I’ve been able to help NO/AIDS as much as the organization has benefited me.
I expect that people will ask me whether DukeEngage was worth my time. I know that New Orleans is still dealing with socio-economic, environmental, health, and political issues in a post-Katrina world. Yet, despite the devastation that Hurricane Katrina brought, the people of New Orleans have, in many ways, fought against all odds for their city. Every day I am here, I am amazed at the New Orleanian spirit that kept this city going and continues to revitalize it, despite all odds. New Orleans is special.
I can’t speak for my other DukeEngagers, but for me, DukeEngage has been worth it because New Orleans is worth it.