Viewing NOLA for the first time!

When first laying eyes on the beautiful city of New Orleans, the first thought that went through my mind was civilization, smiling faces, and stores galore to shop at. Looking into the history of New Orleans is amazing for not only current residents, but visitors.A ghost tour of the city lead us all to understand New Orleans’ haunted roots. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour guide we had and The train station surprisingly appears deserted as mostly my class members filled the bagging area.The train station had wonderful pictures of art near the ceiling. After exploring the art and people of the train station, we then began out expedition to the Springhill Hotel. The mile of distance between the train station and the hotel felt more like five miles when pulling luggage.The other students and I, struggled to pull our suitcases down the cracked sidewalks and busy intersections, trying not to lose one another. I absolutely adore the French Quarter of New Orleans. There are tons of happy people singing and dancing, while others are enjoying a cup of coffee or eating the delicious food of New Orleans.

What I've Seen Today!

    When gazing out the window watching as state by state goes by, I dream of having the freedom to travel around the globe and discover what else nature has to offer me. Deserted farm houses and mobile homes fill the out skirts of the towns. The beautiful trees and sunrise in Tennessee, and the common folk restaurant lying near the train station in Mississippi. It is wonderful and breath taking to view the large fields and small town civilizations. At the train station several people flood the platform speaking to one another while taking pictures of the precious scenery. It paints the picture of how important it is to stop an notice what the world has to offer you. I glance around to my other classmates as they are too gazing out the window at the untouched trees and grass. A farm passed by as I look back out the window, it stands perfectly imperfect with rusted doors. Two horses roam the pasture as if they only belong where they stand. The thought of being given the chance to experience what lies before New Orleans makes me feel like a traveler so young in her voyage of life. Travel nursing continues to run through my mind as the train hurries along. It would be amazing to provide nursing care to a population outside of Illinois and to learn from another population’s experiences. I've come to notice, a beautiful scenery can sometimes change how a person feels about incorporating traveling into a career.

Urban Settings, New Experiences, and New Orleans

Urban Settings

As a student growing up in an old farm town, I never knew I would see what an urban setting was. Peoria, Illinois is one of the first urban settings I have encountered. Prior to attending college, I pictured urban cities being loud with obnoxious sounds echoing off of tall sky scrapers, congested streets with all types of vehicles, and crowded side walks with people always coming and going. Now experiencing what an urban setting is like, I picture busy roads with cars always honking at one another, crowded supermarkets with parents trying to calm their crying babies, and I picture many more opportunities here than in an old farm town like home. I am looking forward to experiencing New Orleans in 13 short days. I enjoy viewing images of the city online and imagining how much different their culture is from Peoria and home. New Orleans appears to be full of festivals, with stress free people excited to be apart of their experiences. I am more than looking forward to experiencing New Orleans and what it has to offer me.  

Picturing New Orleans in my mind is like a getaway from school stress, I picture this highly populated area rich in new experiences, excitement, and happiness. I have formed these assumptions over the years as I have seen pictures and videos of New Orleans’ citizens enjoying their time out on the town sipping on their favorite beverage, or eating the finest pizza in town. Images such as this paint a picture of just how fun, yet relaxing, the beautiful city actually is. The best way to indulge in new experiences is to take a journey there not only physically, but also mentally. One must experience New Orleans first hand to know just how it makes them feel. I am looking forward to feeling the wind in my face and experiencing the upbeat vibe of Louisiana. When researching New Orleans, I came across many fun and exciting pictures of festivals and concerts. It makes me smile every time to see everyone in the photos so care free and happy.

~Megan