How NOLA Built Me - By Tom Coe
Sep 27, 2019 | Cross Country
It's really quite awesome, that's the way I would describe it.
People always talk about this intangible aspect of New Orleans, how everybody seems to know everybody and there's such a tight-knit community within the city. People treat you as if they're your brother and sister – whether it's the staff at school or the people you meet at the supermarket – they act like you've known them for years. And that's remarkably unique.
Coming from a very small village in England and moving to a large, metropolitan area in the U.S. is a big change. And it's not just any other city, it's New Orleans. A place unlike anywhere in The States, a place that's really different from anywhere else in the world.
As an international student, it's easy to feel isolated if you're not able to assimilate to a new culture in the right way. But here, it's not just about rushing around between commuters and chaos. People are laid back and relaxed, everything moves at a much slower pace. It's an easy place to feel comfortable in, one that I can now call home.
When deciding where to get my Master's degree, I knew I wanted to go somewhere where I would have the opportunity to grow academically and thrive athletically in a Division I program.
After narrowing down all of my options, it was clear that there was one school that would be the best fit.
It's unique to be a student at a small, private school with such academic rigor in a city that has such a laid-back approach. School is as important to me as anything else, so that day-to-day structure is important. Tulane is exactly what I was looking for – a place where I'm able to better myself everyday.
There's a real embodiment of New Orleans integrated integrated to the culture at Tulane. We're lucky to have such a great setup here, especially within the athletic department. You're expected to push yourself to do a great job, but also encouraged to have fun while doing it.
From day one at this school, I've been able to see the strides that have been made within each of our teams and observe the overall growth within the department.
Things are changing here, and I'm so excited that I get to be a part of a new Tulane Green Wave culture and help set the standard for success.
My name is Tom Coe and I am #NOLABuilt.
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WE ARE NOLA BUILT
Tulane University is located in the city of New Orleans. It is a city built on tradition and resiliency. The lessons Green Wave student-athletes have learned through their connection with this university and city have BUILT doctors, lawyers, business leaders, conference champions, all-conference players, all-Americans, professional athletes and NCAA tournament teams. The city of New Orleans has shaped us into who we are today. We are One City. We are Tulane. We are NOLA BUILT. Check out our story at NolaBuilt.com.
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