Interview with Jonathan Eugster '09

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- I chatted with with Jonathan Eugster ’09 as we drove through Hannibal, Mo., some eight hours into our trek to New Orleans.

D.G.: Why are you heading to New Orleans?
J.E.: So we can build houses, clean up and otherwise do good works for the world.

D.G.: Will this be your first time in New Orleans?
J.E.: Last summer I went on Ole Spring Relief to Biloxi, Miss., but we spent some time in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

D.G.: What inspired you to go on OSR last year?
J.E.: I’d never had any significant experience with volunteer work before that and a lot of my friends were going. I figured that it would be a good way to spend time somewhere warm while still doing something worthwhile and spending time with friends.

D.G.: So it must have been worthwhile for you last year since you’re taking the trip again this year.
J.E.: It definitely was. I found a strange and unexpected passion for volunteer work and I felt that I needed to do it again this year.

D.G.: What do you mean by "strange"?
J.E.: I sort of didn’t have much faith in myself in terms being able to give without getting something in return. But working in Biloxi without pay I still felt I was getting something in return. It helped me come to the realization that I’m not a purely selfish individual.

D.G.: What sort of work did you do in Biloxi?
J.E.: Mostly demolition and some drywall work. Mainly it was cleaning up. This year we’re going to be doing more construction, which is something I’m better at because I’ve been working for three summers building log homes in Wisconsin.

D.G.: What are you most hoping to get out of this trip?
J.E.: I’m looking forward to spending more time in the city. Last year we were cut off from any real interaction outside of our working environment. So being in New Orleans I hope to interact in a more significant way with the local people and maybe get a feel for the culture down there -- go to some jazz clubs and see how the music scene is recovering.

D.G.: Thank you, Jonathan. I’ll try to check in with you later and see how you’re doing. Enjoy the rest of the ride …