I can’t believe I’m already halfway done with my internship. I feel like so much has happened, yet there’s still so much more that I want to do!
I feel like I’ve done some pretty great things with and without Focus: HOPE in the past five-ish weeks. Three weeks ago I did community outreach and passed out flyers telling residents about the then upcoming town hall meeting. I spoke with great residents who are passionate about seeing changes within their community and I saw those issues that need to be addressed as I walked throughout the neighborhood.
While I was a bit disappointed with the low number of residents that attended the town hall meeting the following week, I did witness some great ideas being formed. Those who did attend the meeting had very meaningful things to say and I saw the glimmer of hope that resides within many Detroiters and their city.
Not only have I seen passion about engaging and important community topics, I’ve also made a lot of new friends with complete strangers who are just passionate about everything. Today I became new friends with the parking lot security guy in Corktown by laughing about the hidden door for Slow’s BBQ. I feel as though I have conversations like this almost everyday where someone is just genuinely nice and loves to have a pleasant conversation with a stranger. I didn’t expect for this to happen and for me to feel as comfortable as I do.
I don’t know what it is about Detroit, but I don’t want my time living here to be over so soon. I know I still have four more weeks but I’m already resenting the day when I pack up and return to Ann Arbor. Even though I love AA… the D is just as spectacular.
I feel the same way!! It is actually so great pleasantly talking to random strangers or just exchanging smiles. I feel like people in Ann Arbor are so unaccustomed and weirded out by that. Also great picture and also yes, I’m also dreading packing up!!!