A New Experience

There are something’s I cannot do. I do not sing, nor do I listen metal music and I do not eat Indian food. So for me to step out my comfort zone this week, and do something that’s totally not me was an interesting idea. The first idea I had was to not use my phone in any way except to call people but that ended in the first five minutes. So I set the bar a little lower. The second idea I had was to broaden my musical taste by listening to music, music I rarely never listen to. I picked three genres; Metal, Country, and reggae, these are genres that I have no substantial listening experience with. I wanted to see that if by stepping out my normal, that maybe I find that one or more of these genres I like. If I like even just one, that would give me future motivation to step outside my boundaries. So I put on the Pandora app and I let the music play.

My first thoughts when listening to heavy metal is what the “non-school friendly expletive” am I listening to. Then I continued to listen and I started to wonder how anybody could listen to this. I tried to listen. One hour of my life that I will never get back was spent listening to the music. It hurt my ears-I was scared they were going to bleed. I want to say heavy metal sucks something fierce but I will not say that. I will say heavy metal is not pleasant to my earlobes. I say it like that because somewhere, somebody in their mother’s basement is enjoying that type of music.

When listening to country, it was not the music that got to me, it was the lyrics.  Most songs were not bad and in fact I liked at first. But I started to notice that the lyrics were very dull, mundane and well stereotypical. Lyrics with messages about love, family, drinking, and “good old American values” Plenty of times while listening, I felt that the lyrics did not appeal to me for these reasons. I mean I love my country, but the levels of patriotism in some country songs got to be beyond annoying.  With country music, if it is on the radio when I am riding a car, I would not be opposed to listening, But only for a limited amount of time

Reggae was cool and relaxing. I felt very calm and at peace while listening. Especially when I listened to Bob Marley, I felt as if I was in a different realm at times. Reggae is not something I would listen to every day, but it is something I would listen to if I was feeling down or was stressed. 

I feel that this week was good for me. I think I am going to try hard the next time I want to try something new because of this experience. I did not find my new favorite music genre and heavy metal almost sent me to the emergency room. I did find songs, and artists I like from country and reggae. I like listening to country when I am riding in a car and I like listening to reggae when I am feeling stressed. These situations happen often so I am glad I have found new music to listen to enjoy or levitate those moments. 

Leyva: A New Experience

             Many people have been in a situation where they feel extremely uncomfortable. Like most people I try to avoid any situations that makes me feel uncomfortable. Sticking to my schedule and doing things that I usually do helps me avoid these situations. But there will always be a time when I will be outside of my norm. I decided to embrace change for once when I decided to eat alone in the cafeteria, something I have never done.

             On Monday, October 21, 2013, I walked into the New Orleans Room to grab something to eat. I sat in a small booth by myself without any electronic device; it was just my food and I. I did not want to use any electronic devices because I felt that the experience would be better if I was actually paying attention to my surroundings. As I sat there alone I noticed that the people eating were busy talking to their friends, on their phones, or listening to music. When I was half way through my lunch a nice girl came up to me and asked me if I would like to sit with her and her friends. It surprised me that she was so nice and welcoming.

Eating lunch alone was not as uncomfortable as I imagined. Sitting there alone made me ponder my day and what was going on in my life. I was able to just relax and think about anything that came to my mind. It also made me realize that there are many people in the school that are friendly and reach out to others. This experience did not change my life but it did open my eyes to see that new experiences are not always uncomfortable or awkward.  

My Unusual Experience - Anjeska Colon

Anjeska Colon

Dr. Rowe

Expo-Writing T-122

October 25, 2013

                                            My Unusual McDonald’s Experience

            My unusual experience started off and came to my mind when I went to eat at McDonald’s this week. On Wednesday I decided to order a Happy Meal with extra happy. When I told the lady my order she first looked confused, but then started laughing with joy. On the microphone, she announced a Happy Meal with extra happy and all the employees started laughing. When my order was ready, they screamed “The Happy Meal with extra happiness”. It felt good to make people laugh especially a job like that which they usually get bored on taking people’s orders because they do not do anything different each day. I know that with that simple comment, they won’t forget the day a crazy college blonde girl asked for a Happy Meal with extra happy. This made me happy because I made other people smile even some customers. I like to make people laugh because just by giving, they return the happiness to me without knowing it. I know it was weird, but it made people smile and this makes me grow as a person. I will probably start doing this in all McDonald’s just to see the different reactions. My unusual experience was pretty unusual and I know it was a good day for the employees, costumers, and for me.

Julius- New Experience

I was seven years old at the time when I heard about it. I remember when I was little I use to watch the disney shows with characters like mickey mouse and donald duck. In one of the shows they were talking about Disney World. My brother and I kept hearing about this wonder land. It was so interesting to see this place. So during the summer of August my parents decided one day to take my brother and me to Disney World. It took a while to get there and I remember the plane was going through the worst turbulence you could have ever  felt.
After that tremendous turbulence the discovery was made. We  reached Disney World in Florida. The first place we went to was animal kingdom. There we went on a jungle water ride. The intensity of the ride was amazing but yet terrifying. Inadittion, we got to see huge animals such as a  elephant when we were riding this truck. This elephant was so big that it could squash the truck in a second. The other kingdom we went to was water splash one. Here my brother and me slid on this crazy slide that ranged from almost ninety feet high. After that we got these turkey legs and ran around with them started running to nearby people with the turkey legs. By the end of the day we were exhausted. There was one more place on are list. This place was the magic kingdom where you would see all the disney characters in the big  parade and they would start shooting wild fireworks. Seeing all the kingdoms,we finally understood what a great experience this was.

Morales: New Experience

The first time I rode public transportation in New Orleans was the beginning of this month. I learned how to be independent and to watch my surroundings for any dangers; as well as carrying around a safe amount of money. The bus and street car drivers were very helpful due to the fact I was a “new-bee.” The price of the transportation was very reasonable making it easy for new-bees and locals to travel. On my bus ride through St. Charles I saw how beautiful the sites were and had locals explain to me the history of New Orleans. Coming from the “Big Apple” also known as New York City, transportation in New Orleans is tough. I noticed that transportation in New Orleans has a set time schedule, and hunting a taxicab is even worse. In New York City all I need to do is stick my hand out and a cab will stop kind of like Carrie from Sex and the City. Looking back, traveling alone for the first time in a new city is an experience I wont forget.

Caire- Something New

At the beginning of my high school career at Chapelle, I was stuck in a funk that I could not I could not shake because I felt alone. My boyfriend, now ex-boyfriend, was someone I was comfortable with and he broke up with me for someone else during the crucial transition into high school. Once we were through, I felt like I had no one to talk to other than my parents. My parents could only help so much because they could not come to school with me. I did not know anyone at Chapelle, and the people I did know, I was trying to get away from. The group of girls that followed me from my tiny grammar school to the much larger Chapelle, were the snobby people who did not care if they hurt your feelings. I was desperate to get away from them because I had had enough of their drama.

A few weeks into my freshmen year, I actually found people to sit with at lunch. They were two people who I knew from St. Ann, the school I went to before I moved to LaPlace, Marissa Fabacher and Shelby Delery. They were wonderful and accepted me, but something in me wanted to be surrounded by more friendships than just two people. One day, while I was in my Independent Studies class, a girl named Emily told me that I should come outside and sit with her and her group. She wanted me to invite the other two girls I sat with at lunch, too. New things really scare me, so part of me was telling me not to even consider the change in lunch group.

Change, in general, scares me. Whether it is a new house, new school, or new people, I will be feel very uncomfortable with the new that now have to get used to. While I was sitting in my independent Studies class, I started to think about the new faces that I could be possibly sitting with for lunch everyday for the rest of high school. It was scary because I did not know them nor did I know if I could even trust this new group. I decided I would pretend to forget and not go over to find Emily's group the next day. I would only go sit with them if Emily were to remind me in class or if she were to see me at lunch.

The next day at lunch, I saw Emily waving at me to sit with her. I walked over with the intention to avoid making any new enemies, rather than making new friends. I cannot remember what we talked about that day, but I do remember how much we laughed. Every single one of us in that group of six bonded in just one hour. I was finally surrounded with what I actually needed, friendship.

I am still afraid of new things, like settling on a major in college because I just do not know if I will be able to support myself with the job I receive, raise a family, and have a relaxed retirement life. Life throws these unknown things at every individual, and the individual has the job of making whatever decision he/she wants. I am so glad that I made the decision to sit with Emily's lunch group. I finally got away from those snobby people I called  "friends" and found the friendship I desperately needed.

Kenner- Bad New Experience

The third floor of the Monroe Library has always been my place to study since the first day of school. The first floor is too noisy and the second floor just does not feel right. I always go straight to the third floor because no one ever goes to the third floor, so I never have to worry about getting distracted. My attention span is too short to be surrounded by people when I am studying. That is why the third floor is perfect for me.

Despite my love for the third floor, I decided to switch things up this week. This past Monday, I decided to go on the second floor of the Monroe Library to study. It was weird and uncomfortable, but I was determined to study there. The second floor was quieter than the first, but it still did not feel as perfect as the third floor. I realized while studying that the second floor just could not be a regular study place for me. I tried something different and I did not like it.

Sharing Music, a New Experience

            When I was young, I always liked to perform. I started performing in my school with the school band. Later on, at the beginning of my high school years, I performed with my own band, and during my senior year I was a drummer in another band. I always liked music, but I never had the chance to perform on a radio show. This opportunity was presented to me on Monday afternoon.

            I have never been part of a radio show, but I have always wanted to share my music in any way I could. On Monday afternoon, I received a call from the Crescent city radio station manager about a position in the radio to do a show. I was surprised to know that the Loyola radio wanted me to be a DJ at the station. I immediately replied yes. I normally think things through, but in this case I didn’t hesitate.

            The radio station manager told me to do a test online and, also without hesitating, I did it. Two days later he later told me that I passed the test and asked me to start next week, I immediately replied that I wanted to start this week, not the next. The station manager, now my boss, told me that it was ok to start on Thursday.

            It was a shock to me that now I had a position at the Loyola radio station, something I have never done before. On Wednesday afternoon, I dedicated my time to prepare shows for the next four weeks, even a special Halloween edition playlist for next week.

I was now nervous to be on a radio, with many people listening to me talking and sharing music. Today, Thursday, after my math class I headed to the radio station and did my show. I started with a nervous voice, but ended with a calm and relaxed voice. After the show ended, my dad texted me and told me he was listening to my show the whole time. I was surprised that he listened to my show, because my music is not the normal music he enjoys listening to. Even so I was happy that he took time from his job to listen to my show. I just hope next week more people tune in to listen to my radio show, I would really like for more people to listen to the music I enjoy listening to every day. 

Hixon- A New Experience

           Last Friday, a few friends and I went to a haunted house called House of Shock which is ranked fifth in the nation being considered one of the scariest haunted houses. This was the first time I ever been to a haunted house and I loved it. It was well organized, neatly decorated, and most of all, scary. I was not going to go at first because I was too scared, however, my friends convinced me to go, and I'm glad. We waited in line for about thirty minutes and the place was packed. The monsters and those dressed in various costumes performed a small skit before allowing us to enter which was very entertaining. There was fire, lights, and sparks flying everywhere; most of the time I had my hands covering my eyes because I was so scared. When we finally entered the actual haunted house, there were people popping out at us yelling and making scary noises. Some of the characters got all in our faces saying chants and other lines from different scary movies. Different places in the haunted house were really dark and sketchy which made me even more terrified then I was watching the pre-show. Every other second I was screaming or squeezing my friend's arm. Overall I liked the haunted house, it was better then I expected giving the fact that I didn't know what to expect. Going to the haunted house made me realize that I should go and do things even if I'm scared to do them for the simple fact that they may be something I actually like. It's always good to try something out before saying you don't like it.

Thompson: A Fun Time at the Rodeo

      On October 20, 2013, I went with family members to the Angola Prison Rodeo, attending both a rodeo and a prison was a first for me.  When I was first asked to go I was skeptical to say the least, mainly because I didn't know what to expect.  After a 2 hour long ride on a nice charter bus we reached the prison.  To my surprise the Prisoners not only participated in the rodeo, but they also made arts and crafts to be sold to the general public, which they also sold.  The arts and crafts ranged from leather work, woodwork, painting, carving, and jewelry.  The Prisoners created fantastic pieces of art.  My family and I walked around the different booths for a couple hours before the rodeo began to see the different items they had available for purchase and to buy food.  I enjoyed the food that was there.  I tied frog legs, fried coke, pig tails, hog cracklings, and a lot of different foods for the first time.  The rodeo itself was also a fun experience; it was amazing to see how smart these animals are.  The best part of the rodeo was witnessing the monkeys riding dogs the way we ride horses.  I am happy I decided to try something new and branch out of my comfort zone, because I had a great time and now it’s something I’m looking forward to attending next year.

Norton: Take Back The Night Experience

This week, I went to the 22nds anniversary of Take Back The Night event. Even though it was the 22^nd anniversary of the event, Take Back The Night was a completely new and exciting experience for me. It started at the big lawn of Loyola’s campus with guest speakers and students giving us information about sexual assault and how to stop it. Volunteers proceeded to hand out candles and light them. Then, we all walked down St. Charles and Broadway to Tulane’s campus. On the walk, people would shout chants against rape, and some cars would honk their horns in support of the walk. Once at Tulane, everyone gathered in one of Tulane’s ballrooms where there was an open mic to anyone who wanted to share any stories, experiences, or poems.

During the opening speeches and the walk, the mood was empowered and proud. We were a proud group of people on a quest to spread the word to stop sexual assault and celebrate those who were no longer victims. When we got to the ballroom, the mood changed to a more serious and somber one. We’re not allowed to share any names, stories, or specifics, but I can say that I was drastically taken aback by them. There was not a dry eye in the house as some people sang, confessed, and overcame their past situations. The open mic session left a lasting effect on me for hours after as I contemplated the horrors of sexual assault. I’m so happy I went to Take Back The Night because I feel more empowered to speak out against sexual assault and stand up for those being abused by it. 

FALU's:The Greatest Moments in Life Come Free

                One cold Wednesday of 2012, I remember it was around January, I got off work at 9:00 p.m. like usual. To my surprise, my roommates and good friends, Ariel and Mabel were talking about staying up late that night. My nosy self wanted to know what was going on that Wednesday, so I asked Ariel why they were trying to stay up late. Then Ariel told me that during that night there would be a meteor shower with over a 100 shooting stars. That immediately caught my attention, and I decided to stay up late. Mabel went to sleep, so it was my nerdy friend Ariel and I that stayed up.

        The Quadrantid meteor shower is once a year, usually during winter, and its peak is around 2:30 a.m. until down. Ariel and I started to set up, and we looked for a very dark spot outside the patio. This was very important to us because if there are too many lights around, we would not be able to appreciate the sight of the shothing stars. As part of our set up, we brought a couple of chairs and wore very thick jackets, gloves and scarves; but the most important to keep warm, a bucket of beers!.

        Ariel and I spent about four hour trying to spot the Quadrantid meteor shower. Ariel’s house is located in the middle of Gretna, a city in New Orleans, and with so many city lights around we could only see nine shooting stars. During those four hours we talked about past childhood experiences and adventures, and realized how similarly our parents had raised us. The shooting stars fell in all kinds of directions through space, and we saw many interesting shapes. Then I saw one shooting star that looked like those multicolored five point stars, with the long rainbow like tails that appear in cartoons, which I thought it was funny.

        That was my first time seeing a meteor shower, and I never expected I would enjoy it so much.  A sentiment of happiness overwhelmed me at that very moment.

Nature, the beauty and vastness of the sky and space, made me realize that we need to be more appreciative of our surroundings, and we can have wonderful moments without spending money in expensive places.

Buzaid- New Experience

Sunday nights back home in Connecticut are nothing like Sunday nights in Almonastor, Louisiana. The other night I learned that not too far outside of the New Orleans jazz beats and drum lines, a different rumble occurs –a roar of a rumble created by mechanical machines revving their engines at a starting line. Yes, I am talking about drag racing. I have never been to such a thrilling weekly event. During my time here, I have made some good friends who are from the area and are willing to show me around. This past Sunday night my friend Chris drove me out to a truck stop in Almonastor where cars gather before they race. There were dozens of various brand-named vehicles with all sorts of turbo- nitro- boost stuff. Everyone was super friendly and loved sharing information about their cars. Eventually, everyone moved their cars to the straightaway down the road to begin racing. Spectators who watched the races from inside their cars were parked on either side of the road, all front wheels facing forward in a getaway position in case the cops came. It was like a scene out of a Fast and Furious movie, but rather casual for the audience and participants. It didn’t really occur to me how serious the drivers took racing until I saw my very first drag race.  The cars came speeding by, shaking the pavement beneath my feet and radiating the loudest sound waves in all of Almonastor. My thought process the entire time was, “These people are wild -my Dad would kill me if he knew where I was right now- Jesus, don’t let me witness a deathly crash.” Each time a pair of cars raced, my heart beat picked up and my jaw clenched. I found it frightening, but thrilling to watch. I can’t say I will go back because of how dangerous and illegal it was, but it definitely was a new experience.