As majority of my class, and a smaller contingency of Howard students, prepare themselves to head to New Orleans for alternative spring break I relish on half of a semester done, half a semester in this course completed.  Halfway to our presentation, halfway to finals, halfway to a greater realization of the catastrophe of hurricane Katrina.  Though my feelings regarding the course itself fluctuates, I do gain a larger understanding of the multiplicitous nature of hurricane Katrina every week for which I am increasingly thankful.  Hearing from the different lecturers has caused me to see how widespread the affects of the hurricane were.  Doing research in the varying disciplines for the course I believe will also prepare me to participate in civic and humanitarian efforts through my career.  Also the course material is preparing us as students to understand greater issues that currently affect American society, such as global warming, racism, poverty, environtmental justice, and political bureaucracy.  To gain such an understanding of the hurricane will enable us to make predictions as to the environmental and ecological future of New Orleans, as well as sustaining its cultural and ethnic diversity, and strengthening the socioeconomic status, education, and health of its citizens.  We can also determine what might be the best approach to rebuilding in New Orleans, post-hurricane Katrina, and how FEMA, the Red Cross, and American culture altogether can better prepare itself for similar disasters in the future.