Summary: Allen Smith, 17, is a Hurricane Katrina [HK] survivor from New Orleans East. Allen’s describes the evacuation process as “a surreal moment”. panic and dismay. His trip to Houston was pleasant and calm because of his uncle’s professional truckdriving experience. Because of his uncle’s experience his family arrived in Houston in a timely manner arriving at his uncle’s one bedroom loft where 32, relatives stayed for at least a month. Allen’s mother moved out after two-weeks because she couldn’t take it any longer Allen who has always been in the best of schools feels like HK opened many doors such as being in two commercials, one with Time Warner Cable Company, and another with the University of Texas [UT], he has kept himself busy with his new friends and family. Allen believes that HK only bettered his life and opened many doors that he has never experienced before. Allen is presently preparing for his College acceptance letter, as well as taking early College prep courses at Challenge Early College High School to prepare himself for his next step. Allen is very confident and sure of what he wants and he has a plan on how to achieve every goal.