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Greater New Orleans
Spotlight On: Taylor Ballinger
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Corps Year: 2007 |
Images of Greater New Orleans (GNO) on the news suggest that the city is still suffering the effects of Katrina. What is your everyday life like?
My everyday life is different from many other corps members. Since I teach outside the city of New Orleans, I see a community that has enjoyed more of a sense of normalcy than New Orleans. However, the students in St. John, many of whom are from New Orleans and lived through Katrina, are still in need of a school and community that highly values education and wants to reform education.
What is your neighborhood like?
I’ve never enjoyed living anywhere as much as I do in my little block here in New Orleans. My neighborhood is very diverse and within a short drive or walk to many New Orleans hot spots.
How have your students been affected by Hurricane Katrina?
Since I teach in St. John Parish, I am still teaching many students who have yet to return to New Orleans post-Katrina. Many of these students moved to St. John Parish from New Orleans East and other areas that were hit hard by Katrina. It is often quite obvious that these students miss their beloved city. These students also require a sense of stability in the classroom because the past few years have been very unstable and life-altering for them.
What is it like to teach in Greater New Orleans?
I would not want to teach anywhere else. The culture here is phenomenal, and my co-workers have been really accepting of me and the other Teach For America corps members. There are some areas in which it is a difficult place to teach; however, that is why we’re here and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
What types of opportunities are available to you in Greater New Orleans?
After growing up in a rural town in Kentucky, I’d say there is every opportunity that one could imagine in Greater New Orleans. There are so many social projects that this city is working on such as rebuilding, wetlands restoration, and art/music projects that there really is something for everyone. Also, if you’re looking for a place where you can have fun on the weekends, this is it.
How has your life changed as a Greater New Orleans corps member?
My life has changed in so many ways that I can’t even begin to describe it. I will say that I don’t know if I can ever leave this place. Two years ago, when I found out I’d be moving here and teaching here, I was thinking “Two years and I’m out.” I was a little scared to move here because of what I’d seen on the news, but I knew it was a place that needed us. But now it is my home, and I feel a connection to this place and its people that is indescribable.
Do you feel safe and secure where you live?
I have never felt unsafe in this city.
What do you love the most about living in Greater New Orleans (GNO)?
The people. The culture. Saints and Hornets games. The restaurants. The music. Mardi gras! When I evacuated for Hurricane Gustav, I wore my Saints hat everywhere. And everywhere I went people were looking at me and smiling, or coming up and talking to me about New Orleans. People care about this city and they have great memories of New Orleans. I love being in this city every day because I’m creating memories that I will not forget.
What do you think is the greatest misconception people have about Greater New Orleans (GNO)?
It’s a misconception that the city and schools are unsafe. I’ve never felt threatened or scared by people in this city.
What assumptions did you have about Greater New Orleans before you joined Teach For America? How has your perception changed?
I had the picture in my head of a city struggling with education and safety. That is the furthest thing from the truth. The people here are so kind and friendly. I also was concerned that I’d be placed in a seemingly-impossible situation. I thought that there would be a lot of hopelessness in the community post-Katrina. Instead, I see a vibrant city that is working hard to rebuild and become better than they’ve ever been.
