A Different Perspective (Jeremy)

Today my group and I went to the Animal Rescue League of New Orleans, ARNO, to help walk the dogs and clean out the cages. ARNO is one of the only, if not the only no kill shelter, meaning they do not euthanize animals just to make space. It was interesting to help things that can not say thank you, but can still show gratitude. The dogs all bark like crazy and act wild when they are in their cages, but as soon as you get them outside they are sweet and quiet and just so happy to see you.
After that I went to a project called Project Greenlight which gives CFL lights to anyone who wants them. this reduces the electrical use and environmental impact of light bulbs. The program will give the light bulbs to anyone who wants them regardless of socioeconomic background. It was interesting to get such a cross section of the city, and see the people of the different backrounds.
At first I was very frustrated and felt like we were not really doing anything of importance, stuff that we could have just done back at home at local animal shelters. Then I realized that the dogs were all rescued from the area, some displaced by the hurricaine, and they need just as much attention and help as the people do. They may not be able to say thank you, but they are just as important as any person. Also It was very interesting to see how the people reacted from the different classes, all of them welcoming us into their homes with open arms and the same gratitude. Even still I thought we were not really doign the kind of work that we came down here to do. Then Gwen made a very interesting point, saying that the light bulbs decrease the environmental impact, which is a small yet important attempt to stop global warming, which will in turn stop another Katrina.
Mr. Kane said during reflection that this trip is about gaining the whole experience, and I really feel like today helped to do that. Even through all of my frustration, I came to realize that alot was accomplished today by the group, and that I personally got a new view of what impact everything really has.