I would like to thank my classmates for taking the time out to respond and give feedback on my project. All comments were greatly appreciated. Here are my responses:

Holle Ford: Thank you for your comment. I agree with you that there should be more tutoring programs especially in our neighborhoods and lower-income communities. M.A.X is open the entire Xavier community and they do have programs that allow you to tutor at schools. You can sign up for this programs in the University Center Room 316. Thanks for your support.

Mharri13: Thank you. It is interesting that you say my project is practical. I couldn’t agree with you more. Initially I was thinking about the Boys and Girls Club and M.A.X. however, I too am interested in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. They did tell me about the program that allows you to visit the child at their school, however my current schedule would not allow for that. The alternative they suggested was the community-based program that allows you to spend time with the child outside of school, 2 to 3 times per month. I think this is the program that would work best for me. Thanks for your comment and good luck with BBBS!

SonKim: I agree that the children here in New Orleans are desperately lacking quality education. Though tutoring may not be the ultimate answer to this problem, it can serve as a temporary act to counter this tumbling school system. You mentioned that the “children need someone to look up to.”-This is very true. Many children in the city are suffering from post-traumatic stress and depression because of the events of Hurricane Katrina and the pitiful environments they have at school. Hopefully while tutoring, I will have the opportunity to have a positive impact on a child’s life that will go far beyond my expectations. Thanks for your comment.

Sbecnel1:Thanks for the support. This education deficiency is a problem that anyone should notice. It is very obvious, especially post-Katrina. Your mother is a great woman for taking on such an important responsibility in educating young America. I think we as college students are the perfect tutors for school-aged children. We are in positions that we have attained by our persistent pursuit of knowledge. Our age is also a helpful factor. We are still “young” enough to possibly be able to relate to some of the issues that the children may be facing in their lives. Advice coming from us would be even more welcome because of this. Thanks for responding.

Whitney: Thanks for your support. I agree with you all the way. There is definitely a lack of motivation and drive in a lot of New Orleans’ youth. In many cases, the main factor is the lack of role models and mentors. The children need positive role models in order to visualize success in their futures. Hopefully I could be that role model for one of these children. I think I’ve heard about the tutoring program at St. Peter Clavier. Sounds like a great program. Thanks for the heads up! - also Thanks for commenting.

Tha10thletter:
Thanks for the support! I must say that this city’s education system is simply terrible. Though I may not be able to solve this issue, I hope that by tutoring I would be able to make a difference in at least one student’s education- maybe be an influence on New Orleans adopting a system wide tutoring program. Like you stated, tutoring is great, however, it is very important to establish some type of bond or relationship with the student…. To possibly be a guiding light in their life outside of education. Hopefully I can become a wonderful role model for some child here in the city. Your response was greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Henry Tran: Henry, your exactly right. These children need something to look forward to when they go to school. I’m sure that knowing there is someone there to help them, they might be more encouraged to go to school and keep their grades up. I find that many children are hopeless when it comes to their personal education. College seems not to even be an option for them. I’m hoping to change this mindset and show them that will a little hard word and practice they too can get A’s and B’s. Thanks for your response and insight.

Dwalker4: Thanks for your comment. I have seen the flyers for the tutoring program at the House of Studies. I am glad to see Xavier, once again, taking an initiative in improving education here in New Orleans. Unfortunately, the tutoring times do not agree with my schedule. I actually am not familiar with the Boys and Girls Club here in New Orleans. It sounds as if they could use some extra help. This could possibly be an option for me. I agree- I’m sure these children are in need of tutors. Thanks for your comment and suggestion

Whether one believes that the patriarchs and matriarchs are good role models depends on the paradigm from which they designate role models. A role model, under my definition, is a person who has achieved their goals ( positive ones) or has helped others achieve their goals through hard work and dedication. A role model is a person that can speak from experience on the hardships of life, and yet realize that it is infact those hardships that have helped them to be in the position there are currently in. Thus. If you are viewing the Patriarchs and Matriarchs from the perspective that they have dealt with hardships and imperfections but still managed to overcome, then yes they would be good role models. However without getting into detail, the Patriarchs and Matriarchs were very far from perfect, and if one views a role model as an example of perfection, then the Patriarchs and Matriarchs would fall short. Also, if one were to take their stories out of their historical and literary context, much can be disagreed upon about the behavior and practices of the patriarchs and matriarchs. It is a matter of preference.

It is very difficult to pick a favorite commandment from the Decalogue. In my opinion, most of them need revision or the implementation of exceptions. However, if I were to have a favorite it would be number 6 : “Thou shall not murder”. It is the one commandment that is difficult to reject in any circumstance. There is a certain dignity and quality unexplainable with words that is possessed by human life. Our ability to be autonomous and rational creatures is inherent and priceless. Thus, since life cannot be quantified, “ Thou shall not murder” is a great commandment. The others are great as well, however I find them to be a bit unreasonable- they don’t allow for realistic circumstances.

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