The beginning has been a blur. Moving boxes, plastic-wrapped mattresses, walks around midtown, and the fear of losing the apartment keys all blend into memory as I begin my work with American Indian Health and Family Services (AIHFS). After learning about fire extinguishers, burns, building layouts, back safety, and outlook, I was led to my very first desk. It felt like a rite of passage in my academic and professional life, an extended arm welcoming me to AIHFS. I am excited to get started, demonstrating that I deserve a desk and proving I am worthy of a welcome.
I don’t want this initial excitement to get lost in my work. I hope that this excitement motivates me as I progress in this program and is apparent in my work for AIHFS. My project aims to determine the needs of AIHFS as they look to move to a new location. I hope to leave them with something they can use, something that will impact their future as they look to grow in a new location. Interacting with staff and clients, I hope to learn the values and culture of the southeastern Michigan’s native population. I’m excited to attend the organization’s functions and meetings, observing their mission in action.
However, this experience extends beyond my time at AIHFS. I hope to explore Detroit, learning more about its citizens and its culture. Art museums, community concerts, and other opportunities are just a few blocks away. Before coming to Detroit as part of DCBRP, I had only been to Detroit as part of service trips that lasted a few hours. These trips allowed me to learn very little about Detroit. I know that this immersive experience, both at AIHFS and after work hours, will teach me a lot about this city and its people.
I know these past few paragraphs were supposed to be a letter to myself. However, I address myself now. Make the most of this experience and give it your all, being conscious of the impact you have on those around you and communicating with the community by listening to their ideas and their vision. Don’t let the initial energy rush die; continue to seek new experiences and try new things. Most importantly, be conscious while enjoying this experience.
Your love and passion for your work is contagious! Reading about your excitement to immerse yourself in the Detroit community is so inspiring. Having an outside perspective gives you a unique perspective of the city and your work with AIHFS. I thought this reflection was very well thought-out and your attitude going forward is absolutely awesome.
I definitely agree with a lot of your sentiments on wanting to explore and actually get to know people and places in the city. I really like your sentence about being conscious of your impact and listening to the voice and vision of the city itself, I definitely agree with you.