I could use this space to lament that recovery and rebuilding has been slow, or that the Gulf Coast has been stricken yet again with the BP oil disaster, or that figures such as the mortality rate could have been lower, had the government been more expedient in providing the aid the region so desperately needed.
I've done my fair share of lamenting over the years, and so have many others—as is evident by the discussions and interviews that took place on news shows and specials this weekend.
But despite all the problems that stemmed from Katrina, as well as the difficulties that still exist today, there are still some positives that can be taken away from the past five years:
* The stories of the people displaced by Katrina are so inspiring. I cannot fathom going through something of this magnitude, and it's uplifting to see how people managed to triumph after all their struggles. So many people were forced to flee their homes, and while some have returned, many have started new lives in new locations, having started completely from scratch.
Seeing the conditions that people endured, and reading the stories of the adversity that they faced really helps to put my own life in perspective, too. The things that I complain about pale in comparison to situations and plights that other families have faced, and continue to face on a daily basis.
I don't mean to diminish the magnitude of anything I've experienced (those events and feelings are important and consequential in their own way), but rather to remind myself that I could have it a lot worse.
* There is much to be admired and appreciated about the citizens of America. This thought makes me hark back to September 11, when I felt a very similar sentiment upon seeing the outpouring of support for the victims.
So much of the rebuilding in the Gulf Coast has come at the hands of the public. There have been umpteenth church groups, sports teams, clubs, and other organizations who have planned trips to the region to help rebuild.
As someone who has participated in one of these trips, I can vouch for how immensely rewarding it is, not just to help contribute to the area's recovery, but to witness firsthand the spirit and strength of the people there.
* The beautiful, vivacious, and distinct culture of New Orleans is stronger than ever. There's a unity amongst the people that continues to be fueled by events such as the Saints' Super Bowl win. Its citizens are devoted to restoring the area and have so much hope for the future of the Gulf Coast.
The region continues to thrive and expand, with Teach for America receiving thousands of applications for the New Orleans region, and the number of students applying to Tulane University growing annually.
And the things that make New Orleans so unique—the jazz music, the food, and the culture, to name a few—are once again establishing themselves as important components of the city, providing familiarity and comfort to its residents.
For those who have never had the privilege to travel to the region, try to take a trip when you can. You won't regret it.
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