<p>The Times-Picayune </p>
<p>Learning experience: Tulane students realize they can't wait to be back
Monday, December 19, 2005
by Julie Benson</p>
<p>My son is a student at Tulane University who has been attending another school this fall, thanks to Hurricane Katrina. In his junior year of high school when Cooper first applied to college, the top-ranked school he is now attending was out of his reach. So after the hurricane, when Cooper was admitted minutes after he faxed them his Tulane transcript, he felt that he had reached the proverbial "pie in the sky," albeit under terrible circumstances. </p>
<p>By October it had become apparent that he was doing more than just holding his own at this "school of dreams," so I asked if he was considering a transfer. But his answer was immediate and unequivocal: "Not on your life!" His friends feel the same way. They cannot wait to be back at Tulane, because time and circumstance have shown them that there is no place in the world like New Orleans and no school like Tulane. </p>
<p>Now, that is nothing against "High Rank U.," where the quality of the academics is top of the line, as expected. However, Cooper and his friends don't see much of a balance between that and life outside of the classroom. With the competition among the student body running so high there -- and the college "fun factor" so low -- they truly appreciate what they have at Tulane. And while the academics at Tulane University are no less important than they are at this other school, what we have at Tulane is an incredibly strong sense of being part of a unique community that not only shares the local culture, but helps drive it. </p>
<p>Tulane students are now focused on ending the diaspora and reconvening with classmates in January. The return will be emotional for many, but the special bond students share will strengthen them in unprecedented ways. They are learning the kind of life-affirming lessons that no parent or professor could possibly teach. </p>
<p>I am humbled by the thought that my son will come out of Tulane University not only with a first-rate education, but also with an understanding of why some things are worth fighting for. He will know that loyalty, determination and perseverance can reap the sweetest rewards of all. </p>
<p>Am I happy about the recent decisions that had to be made in order to keep Tulane viable? No. Would I prefer that Cooper transfer to "High Rank U." for what some would perceive as greater stability and prestige? No way. </p>
<p>The return of the Tulane student body will strengthen every citizen of New Orleans. And every time Hurricane Katrina is mentioned as the largest natural disaster in U.S. history, my son will remember the power of place and the part that he and his schoolmates played in shoring up their crippled university, while working tirelessly to help rebuild a major American city. </p>
<p>The ultimate community service is to become and remain a vital part of the community. The current and future students of Tulane University -- and of other colleges and universities reopening in New Orleans -- will do just that as they play a significant role in a rebuilding effort unseen in their lifetime. </p>
<p>Their passion and loyalty will restore life where there is loss, and their active and enduring presence will bring hope where there is despair. </p>
<p>And as they learn to count on each other for added strength, the collective power born from this experience, can and will move mountains.
. . . . . . .
Julie Benson is a New Orleans native who lives in Louisville, Ky.</p>