Devlin S-AFE Trip: Day 3

For the eighth straight year, Boston College student-athletes are spending part of winter break in the New Orleans area on the Devlin S-AFE Trip. The week-long trip is centered on community service in partnership with SBP (formerly the St. Bernard Project), helping families rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina 11 years ago.

Each day, student-athletes will reflect on the day's activities. For more information about the trip and its purpose, check out the trip overview and check back for daily recaps.

Submitted by Myles Willis (football) and Mike Strizak (football)
January 12, 2017

The energy exhibited this morning did not reflect the typical "hump-day" emotions. Our group seemed excited with the opportunity to continue making progress on the home and make our work supervisor proud.

Perhaps, it was the visit to the Katrina museum infusing us with city pride and providing a better sense of purpose to playing our small part in helping to revitalize New Orleans. We were truly inspired with the pride, culture and resilience displayed throughout the city. Citizens of New Orleans are truly proud of the rich history of the city and are also comfortable with their vulnerability, allowing visitors to view the scars left by Katrina's destruction.

Also, the visit to The Boys and Girls Club was a tremendous treat as we were further inspired by our interactions with children.

The visit, while enjoyable, was challenging. For the first time in our lives, we realized our social responsibility to work for an improved environment for today's youth. We were impressed with the natural athleticism and intelligence displayed by the children. Many of the children displayed frustration with their academic demands, viewing the privilege of education as an inconvenience.

We became determined to find creative ways to present school work as an instrument of self- expression.

It was a pleasure getting to spend time with the Tulane student-athletes as an energetic group joined us at the Boys and Girls Club. We also really appreciated them hosting us for dinner on their campus. It was a great way to end the day getting to better know them and compare our college athletic experiences. Their hospitality has really made our experience here that much better. They have an open invitation to come visit us any time.

We are looking forward another meaningful experience in Baton Rouge tomorrow.

-Myles and Mike

Boston College Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Myles Willis

Related Videos