This summer I have had the opportunity to canvass with a group working on environmental issues affecting the Gulf Coast region, the Gulf Restoration Network in New Orleans. After spending most of my Freshman year sitting in lecture halls , studying in the campus library or working in front of my computer, it is quite a different experience to be going door to door trying to engage people about the environment.

 One thing I noticed right away is that a typical day is not really typical at all. The experience on a given day largely depends on who answers a particular door.  At that point you have a short window of opportunity to present your message and persuade the person to show her/his support for your cause.