I moved to New Orleans to attend Tulane University, but unfortunately I had to start in the spring and not the fall semester. Arriving at Tulane in the spring made me feel very out of place, as everyone else had started in the fall and had formed their friend circles before I arrived. I was really having a hard time fitting in and feeling at home in New Orleans. When Mardi Gras finally rolled around I really felt home sick, and refused to go to any parades. On Mardi Gras Day, I decided I wouldn’t worry about going to a parade alone, and I set off for Washington Avenue to see Zulu. It was at Zulu that I finally felt like I belonged in the City. I remember standing alone on the side of the road when suddenly a rider in the parade held out his hand and offered me a coconut! It made my day, and made me feel like I had connected with the city. 

– Nicole

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant