10 Reasons Why New Orleans - Lauren Baum

1. I'm a 6th generation New Orleanian… There's No Place Like Home.

2. I say "y'all" and talk to strangers on the street… I walk slowly, talk slowly and invite my mailman over for dinner. I think food should be spicy, music should be celebrated and alcohol should be allowed at 18.

3. If not now, when? If not me, who? How can I sell New Orleans from a distance? How do I expect others to seize the opportunity if I am watching from the sideline?

4. I am lucky – I was raised with excellent role models, brought up with morals and values and given the opportunity to secure an education. I owe it to these role models to share my luck, knowledge and skills with our city.

5. I am optimistic - I see an unprecedented opportunity in New Orleans – people are paying attention, people are making changes, people are coming to New Orleans when they never would have considered it before.

6. I believe New Orleans will have a new face – the Vanguards, the Bravehearts, the people stupid enough to take a chance and the people smart enough to see an opportunity. New Orleans will be inundated with some of the coolest, brightest and bravest individuals – these are the type of people I want to surround myself with.

7. I am young and adventurous – the world is my oyster – I could be anywhere in the world doing any number of things ….there are a million destinations and a million job opportunities – there is only one New Orleans. The rest of the world will wait for me, New Orleans may not.

8. I am unrelenting and determined – if I am passionate, I can accomplish great feats – how can I let this enthusiasm fall by the wayside?

9. I believe I can make a difference – and it is important to me to do so. My greatest accomplishments are in helping others – I thrive on the success of the people around me.

10. I am excited – Home Sweet Dome…Brad Pitt launches Global Initiative in New Orleans…Edwards Announces Campaign Candidacy in 9 th Ward…Harry Connick Sponsors Musician's Village…Belles of Bayou Road Host Grand Opening….Stanford, Columbia, MIT, Harvard partner with The Idea Village …. Voluntourism Reaches New Heights ….New Orleans faces Earthquake in Education…. I live in an inspiring time and place. I am living, walking, breathing and working in a history book. How could I only read about it?