"Place is more than just a location—a spot on a map—and it is more than just a landscape. Place is inextricably linked to people and the things that happen in that location that are meaningful to them. Place, after all, is a social construct. It is where important words have been spoken, vows exchanged, promises made, and demands issued. In this regard, even places devoid of people can have a sense of place." (Salvesen)

       Alexandria, Louisiana is my break from the pressures of Virginia. I feel like the hospitality of people is so much more accepting and understanding. I also feel like my family has instilled values in me when I spend time down there that I would have never see while in Virginia. For example, they have taught me that it is okay for me to speak up for myself because if I do not then who will. I also feel like the importance of family was instilled into me at our Sunday dinners and conversations just sitting around the house. I feel like the trip to the Zoo and the Meat Market played a role in the competency of aesthetic judgment and valuing I was actually able to respond to what I was seeing, and appreciate the things that I have in life more because I actually was more privileged then most that lived in the city.  In all I feel like my summer vacations in Louisiana made me an effective citizen because I was able figure out who I was, and actually explain my thoughts and ideas to people that would actually listen.