ESCAPERS To Know: Tim Coan

In preparation of our trip to New Orleans, we'll be profiling students from Case Western Reserve and Fisk Universities. Why do they want to help re-build the city? What are they looking forward to experiencing?

Our first profile is of Tim Coan, a 21-year old Mechanical Engineering student at Case.

The E.S.C.A.P.E. Times: What first drew you to AB E.S.C.A.P.E.?

Tim Coan: I can't say there was anything in particular, I was just excited about an opportunity to give back to the community. The past two spring breaks I was on the varsity baseball team at CWRU, but I am not playing this year so I had a free spring break to fill. One of the first ideas that popped in my head was doing a service trip, to New Orleans in particular.

TET: How have you prepared for your trip?

TC: I am going the fast for a day or two before hand so I can make the most room for the food when I get down there. I have only heard good things about the New Orleans food scene.

TET: Have you ever visited New Orleans?

TC: I have never been to New Orleans, the closest I've been is Sanford, Florida (The city where Case's baseball team goes to play the UAA tournament over spring break)
TET: Have you taken part in any of the fundraising efforts? If so, which ones?

TC: So far, I have only helped with the bake sale. I manned a station and provided some brownies. I think I am going to go to the Mardi Gras dinner fundraiser at Fat Fish Blue.
TET: Which project sites are you looking forward to visiting the most?

TC: The school sites where we can mentor students and get them excited about college. Janice specifically said that one school's kids listed last years volunteer group as one of the best things they had done the whole school year. Providing some motivation or spark for these kids inner fires is something I really look forward to. I take for granite all the opportunities and people I had guiding me though my life to this point, I hope I can give some of that back.

TET: What else are you looking forward to doing while you're in New Orleans?

TC: Did I mention the food?

TET: How do you anticipate this trip shaping or changing your college experience?

TC: Hopefully it will provide me with a "bigger picture." At Case it is very easy to get caught up in the work, the grades and the post graduation job. It is very easy to lose sight of the community and giving back when you are so entrenched in personal ambitions. I don't have any particular anticipations that could result from this trip, I just want to keep an open mind and let what happens, happen.

TET: What local New Orleans food are you looking forward to trying?

TC: Everything, after that I'll probably try it all again.

Help Tim realize his ambitious food dreams (and help New Orleans residents and students, too) by donating to one of AB E.S.C.A.P.E.'s fundraisers, here.