Boston College Athletics
Eagles In New Orleans: Day 1
January 10, 2017 | Softball
Five softball athletes aid Hurricane Katrina relief
The Boston College softball team will chronicle their experiences on the Devlin S-AFE Trip in New Orleans throughout the week. The trip focuses on community service in partnership with the St. Bernard Project, helping rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Junior pitcher Jessica Dreswick discussed highlights of the first day:
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After a rough few days of traveling and settling in, Boston College student-athletes – including five softball players – have finally made it to New Orleans. Although it has been 11 years, New Orleans still suffers from the drastic effects of Hurricane Katrina. The destruction is still prevalent throughout the city and it was startling to witness it, but it also motivated us to help out in any way we could on the New Orleans Service Trip.
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Starting out bright and early Monday morning, orientation told us how St. Bernard Project works and how we would be helping. This was a very informative session. We met a gentleman whose house SBP recently rebuilt. Hearing his story was impactful and humbling. We also met Liz McCartney, the cofounder of SBP who is actually a '94 BC alumnus.
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Then the real work began. Our group split up to work on two different houses. Senior Tatiana Cortez went with the first group to a house where hazmat suits were worn for protection when removing lead paint. Group two went to a house to 'mud.' Juniors Chloe Sharabba, Jordan Chimento, sophomore Lexi DiEmmanuele, and I were in charge of mudding and sanding walls which will be painted later this week.
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Although the work was exhausting, it was important to focus on the end goal of giving a family a home to live in. Many families in New Orleans live in poor conditions, but through volunteering with SBP, we are able to help reverse the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
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After a good day's work, we were served a home-cooked meal, spent some group time reflecting on the day, and ended with a bowling trip. Some athletes from local Tulane University joined us at the lanes to share the experience, even though the real competition came down to Chloe Sharabba and me competing for the best bowler.
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So far the individuals we have met and the experiences we have gained today have made lasting impressions, and we are very excited to see what the rest of the week holds for us.
Â
After a rough few days of traveling and settling in, Boston College student-athletes – including five softball players – have finally made it to New Orleans. Although it has been 11 years, New Orleans still suffers from the drastic effects of Hurricane Katrina. The destruction is still prevalent throughout the city and it was startling to witness it, but it also motivated us to help out in any way we could on the New Orleans Service Trip.
Â
Starting out bright and early Monday morning, orientation told us how St. Bernard Project works and how we would be helping. This was a very informative session. We met a gentleman whose house SBP recently rebuilt. Hearing his story was impactful and humbling. We also met Liz McCartney, the cofounder of SBP who is actually a '94 BC alumnus.
Â
Then the real work began. Our group split up to work on two different houses. Senior Tatiana Cortez went with the first group to a house where hazmat suits were worn for protection when removing lead paint. Group two went to a house to 'mud.' Juniors Chloe Sharabba, Jordan Chimento, sophomore Lexi DiEmmanuele, and I were in charge of mudding and sanding walls which will be painted later this week.
Â
Although the work was exhausting, it was important to focus on the end goal of giving a family a home to live in. Many families in New Orleans live in poor conditions, but through volunteering with SBP, we are able to help reverse the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
Â
After a good day's work, we were served a home-cooked meal, spent some group time reflecting on the day, and ended with a bowling trip. Some athletes from local Tulane University joined us at the lanes to share the experience, even though the real competition came down to Chloe Sharabba and me competing for the best bowler.
Â
So far the individuals we have met and the experiences we have gained today have made lasting impressions, and we are very excited to see what the rest of the week holds for us.
Players Mentioned
C/3B
/ Softball
C/3B
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
P
/ Softball
SS/2B
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