<p>I had a brief random meeting with a Tulane faculty wife over the holiday. She is a Tulane alum as her brother and father. She was thrilled when her spouse landed a position there.
He is anxious to get back but she and their children don't know when they will return. She said this will be common. While the Tulane students are posting{ in various blogs) that Tulane is going to be great and that their favorite bars and eateries are open they do need to be reminded that for the staff and faculty the NO that they live in and love is not and will not be for some time. Many of their homes were badly damaged and may need to be destroyed. Their jobs are no longer there and the routine and life of their children is not there. She does not know when she will return.
She is hoping that the students remember that and treat especially the service staff with dignity. Many are making sacrifices and living away from family to serve them.
I think that the CC Tulane students are above the students that are rushing back to have the party of all parties in January.
Just thought I would post the bits and pieces of the conversation.</p>
<p>Your point about sensitivity to what faculty and staff families are experiencing (and suffering) is a good one, mom60. I will certainly chat with DS re this - in case it wouldn't have occurred to him on his own (what, a 19-year old "adult" not self-absorbed ;) ?). There will be so many opportunities for life lessons in New Orleans this spring and over the coming years. This will certainly be one of them.</p>
<p>I know that Tulane is planning to provide many opportunities to participate in the rebuilding. I hope that they might use the "charity begins at home" premise as part of this.</p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
<p>Good point. I hope it won't take more than three words of the conversation for him to tell me he's already thought about it (This IS the kid who wanted the "Always be nice to the lunch lady" T-shirt for Christmas.), but one never knows. </p>
<p>Thanks for bringing it up.</p>