It is undeniable that Tulane University’s identity is rooted in the city of New Orleans. When people from home ask me if I’m enjoying college so far, I get to brag about Mardi Gras parades, Creole cuisine and hurricanes on Bourbon Street. 

I do my best to escape the “Tulane Bubble” — a term used to refer to the disconnect between Tulane students in the cushy Uptown neighborhood and the greater New Orleans community. Truly connecting to the city, however, requires more than mandatory service learning excursions and ventures into various neighborhoods for Tulane-sponsored events. Part of embracing a new home requires educating yourself about the culture and history of the city. We, as Tulane students and as new residents of New Orleans, should be keeping up with local news.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted — becoming the first sitting mayor to be indicted while in office in August. Cantrell was accused of using city funds for personal travel with former New Orleans Police Department officer Jeffrey Vappie. I heard grumblings of this prosecution in class but never understood the gravity of the accusations until I went to the Louisiana Illuminator and read about it myself. 

Educating myself about Cantrell’s controversy made me realize how necessary it was for me to keep up with local news. Since then, I have utilized local media sources such as Nola.com, Louisiana Illuminator, The Advocate and our very own The Tulane Hullaballoo to learn so much about New Orleans and Louisiana. 

Part of leaving the “Tulane Bubble” requires understanding the nuanced political climate and background of New Orleans. Delving into current issues like the major oil damage to Louisiana ecosystems or far-too-common gun violence in New Orleans helps students to understand the intricacies of local issues affecting our city, outside of the dramas of Malkin Sacks Commons or Reily Center. 

Brighter stories such as business success like the high-tech development in Louisiana’s shipbuilding industry or sports successes like Lousiana State University football, are equally important and often fun to consume.

I am not calling on Tulane students to watch the local news every day or to start their mornings with Nola.com. Rather, I am imploring that students check a reliable, local source at least once a week. Scroll through any news source, skim some articles and dive deeper. Leaning into the local happenings in both the city and state will benefit both Tulane students in becoming more connected to our new home and New Orleans residents, as they receive a slew of young, smart college students who care about their city and state.