David Smason
David Smason was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1986. His mother was a hairstylist who passed away when he was nine. David's father worked as a disc jockey, computer technician, and freelance writer. David grew up in New Orleans, attended Isidore Newman School, and was involved in various Jewish organizations, including NFTY Southern, Beth Israel Congregation, Touro Synagogue, and the Henry S. Jacobs Camp. He was a college student at the University of Kansas when Hurricane Katrina hit the United States. After the storm, David moved back to New Orleans to help rebuild the city and attend Tulane University. He currently works as a writer in New Orleans and plans to live there for the rest of his life.
David talks about his upbringing in New Orleans and his active involvement in various Jewish organizations and community service activities growing up. Hurricane Katrina took place the summer before David's sophomore year at the University of Kansas. He describes the storm's aftermath, trying to track down friends and family, and dealing with the damage from flooding in his home. David talks about how his grades suffered post-Katrina, and he struggled to be away from home. He discusses learning how to ask for help and reflects on his evolving relationship with Judaism since the devastation. Finally, he looks back on the impact Katrina had on his life, the city of New Orleans, and his attitude toward the government. David says he is proud to be a Jewish New Orleanian.
