October

Finally, cooler weather has graced New Orleans! To be honest, it's been a little too chilly the past few days (with lows in the 50s and 40s). I guess I've acclimated to the heat and humidity?

This month has flown by and we covered 2 blocks - we recently finished up the pulmonary block and are currently on the GI/neoplasia block. My favorite topic we have covered in this block was angiogenesis and how tumors utilize angiogenesis to become malignant and metastasize. Learning about angiogenesis inhibitors was also fascinating - how scientists and researchers are developing these new drugs that produce little to no side effects since they are not cytotoxic in nature. I'm excited to see where this will lead us in the treatment of cancer.

I have continued to volunteer at Girls on the Run at Sacred Heart Academy this month. Volunteering with these girls has been a wonderful experience. Most girls don't want to run at the beginning of each practice, but end up exceeding their lap goals once they start running. I love hearing their perspectives on topics related to relationships, emotions, and communication.

I also volunteered with Edible Schoolyard (ESY) this month at the Sweet Potato Festival held at Arthur Ashe charter school in Fillmore/Gentilly. I was helping out at the sweet potato pizza station helping create pizza deliciousness. The festival was wonderful, complete with dance performances and a parade consisting of the Compost Krewe and the Pollinator Krewe. ESY is involved with multiple charter schools in New Orleans and I'm excited to continue working with Edible Schoolyard in the next few weeks at their Open Garden days, as well as Family Food Night!


Rolling the dough!
The final product: a beautiful sweet potato and kale topped pizza

October Hours: 10 hours
Total Hours: 20.5 hours

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