Seventy-three days ago I packed everything I owned into my tiny car and  embarked on the biggest risk in my academic career. It took me five days to arrive in the big easy from Washington, but the drive was well worth it. I got to experience some of the most amazing natural feats in America. My first stop was Yellowstone national park in Montana. I've added a few pictures from my journey to share just how magnificent this place is. I highly recommend stopping by if you are into wildlife, and lush scenery. My next stop was Colorado Springs. After experiencing Yellowstone I did not think that I could be excited about any more scenic views since I had thought I experienced the best there was to offer. However, I was extremely impressed with the delicacy of the Garden of the Gods (I've added some pictures as well). These rock formations were astounding! to think that these have been here for so long, slowly eroding away to form some of the most famous rock architecture in America. I then ventured through Austin, Texas which was much more exciting, but in a much different aspect then my previous two pit stops. Finally, after what had seemed like an eternity living in a car I arrived in New Orleans.

During my short time here in this one of a kind place I am so grateful for the experiences that I have had. I have been given the opportunity to surround myself by some of sciences best minds, not only to include the professors, and physicians, but the students as well. Coming out of undergrad I still had poor study habits, but let me tell you, that has changed. Thanks to some new friends from this program they have really helped me develop strong study patterns. One thing that makes me beyond ecstatic about this program is that we all have a similar goal, and similar means to achieve it. This allows us to connect, and bond much easier and has really helped us push each other into doing things that we were unaware of before starting here.

How could I blog about my experiences in New Orleans without bringing up food? This place has opened up my eyes to some things I have never seen before, but they all have the same thing in common. It is absolutely delicious! Coming from the pacific northwest our fried food, is well a joke compared to here. I have never in my life craved fried chicken until these last 3 months. Fortunately I have also been able to try the amazing seafood such as crawfish, oysters, and shrimp. I am a little biased in the oyster department since back home we do have some amazingly tangy, delicious oysters, but the ones down here are pretty decent too. 

Lastly, the thing that makes the big easy so amazing in my eyes is the effort the people of this community go through to give back. This is not the most fortunate of places to have been especially 12 years ago after Katrina. What amazes me is the attitude locals have and their enthusiasm about giving back as I will begin to do as well. I have submitted my applications to mentor for the under deserved schools in the greater New Orleans areas, partake in tutoring elementary students, and I will begin volunteering for habitat for humanity to help rebuild this one of a kind city!

See you in September!

Sincerely,
Pierce Spencer

Thermophilic microbe hot spring (Their byproduct is sulfur... so this beautiful view comes with quite the stench)

Prismatic springs (The most beautiful spring you could possibly imagine)