To watch a man go where few have gone, I went to a place I’d never been.

The man’s name is Roland. He’s my cousin. And, he’s only the second person in the Wildman clan to ever graduate with a bachelor’s degree. From Loyola, no less. So, no pressure, but he now has to convince the rest of our family that college is worth it.

New Orleans was the place. I’d never been to the Crescent City. Several people in my life have traveled there and loved it. I got dozens of tips for what to see and where to eat. My gracious hosts treated me to day after day of delicious fare and fascinating sights. After a few days walking the city, I can summarize all that advice and experience as follows:

• Chicory is poison. It is not coffee.
• Don’t wear dark pants while eating beignets. That powered sugar is merciless.
• Never mind the other stuff (Po Boys, crawfish, booze). Make acquiring shrimp your top priority.
• Streetcars in daylight, charming. Streetcars at night, murdery and charming. Worth the risk in search of more shrimp.
• The WWII museum is legit.

All that to say, congratulations to Roland. May your education enrich your life and the lives of many others. And, may you not become a washed up has been who my kids use as an argument that college is a waste of time.