Kionte Smith, 14

Katrina has changed my life in many ways. Before Katrina I was always full of life and energy. I could make my worst day one of my best.

It feels so weird. I’m out of my house; the city I was raised in is partially a memory. I’m now in a whole new environment, the state of Texas. The hardest thing about this is the family members I feel closest to are 700 miles away. The phone calls aren’t good enough.

I’m now going to a different school, and the hardest part is making new friends all over again. I’m kind of a shy person, and it’s hard for me to loosen up. But now things at school are getting much better for me. Actually, when I’m at school those are some of my best memories. I have made plenty of friends and I’m always laughing.

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