As we near the ten-year mark of Hurricane Katrina, we find ourselves reflecting on that dreadful month of August 2005.

For many in South Louisiana and some across our nation, whether you lived in New Orleans or not, we all had one thing in common; our lives would never be the same.

Our nation stood in silence with those watching near and far. One of the country’s greatest and vibrant cities, New Orleans, in a matter of 24 hours, went from being known for the around-the-clock nightlife and unique culture to briefly being one of the emptiest and darkest cities to be in.

That didn’t last long; floodwaters couldn’t kill the spirit instilled in Louisianans. For some, everything was lost — from family members to an entire life savings, memories and memorabilia.

Many were left with nothing but the memory of their past without a picture or dollar to show. For me, I was one of the more fortunate ones, other than being a displaced student and losing a camp in Grand Isle, Katrina didn’t affect me nearly as much as those I was surrounded by.

With that being said, many of those affected all had something in common. Little did we know at the time, Katrina would become a beacon of hope for me and many others, guiding us to a new future where we were meant to be.

As the floodwaters receded and rebuilding efforts began, I became settled in a new school in my hometown; St. Charles Catholic opened its doors to me and eventually became my home for the next few years.

Being closer to home allowed me to become more active in my school and community, thus building a public service path that eventually led to elected office, which has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life.

New Orleans is now the thriving city it once was, bigger and stronger. The tragic mark left in thousands of hearts has become just a memory to many. Ten years have progressed since those floodwalls broke, and now three years since Isaac, St. John Parish is closer than we ever have been to securing adequate flood protection.

Reflecting on these last ten years personally and professionally, we still have a long way to go, but yet just look how far we have come.

Michael P. Wright is St. John the Baptist Parish Council chairman and District 5 representative. Contact him at District5@sjbparish.com.