Look at all those happy smiling faces. New bonds and relationships have formed since the beginning of this summer between the interns. Being a commuter has caused a disconnect between myself and the other interns. I haven’t explored the city or gone grocery shopping with anyone. I don’t work with any of the other interns so my interactions with them are limited to Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Detroit Center. I knew going into this summer program that it would be like this. It’s not a big deal, just a different type of experience.
I decided to blog about this to possibly offer some insight to a future DCBRP participant who may need to commute. I supposed the distance of the commute and what kind of life you have outside of the program matters as well. I have to drive 40 minutes back to Ann Arbor to go home to my beautiful family, so I don’t stick around to chit chat too often. I think that is what makes the Tuesday and Thursday meetings at the Detroit Center so valuable. It allows all of the interns the opportunity to interact and learn about each other’s placements. Through the Tuesday seminars, I’ve learned a wealth of information from the various speakers like how to search for grants, research tools, as well as learn about different organizations’ efforts in Detroit.
Since I’ve foregone the social side of the program, I’ve decided to really push hard toward networking with the people I’ve been meeting and form some type of relationship with them to better my chances of continuing work in Detroit. And that, in my opinion is the most important. Big things are in store for Detroit and I want to be a part of the wonderful changes.
I can relate to this post so much. Commuting is a different experience, and you don’t necessarily get a chance to hang out with everyone, but I too, make sure I build relationships to the best of my ability to ensure that I feel more a part of the program. I am just glad that I am not alone and that I can relate to someone.
Great to read about your experience thus far with the program. I can see how community can be very different socially than living on campus. Hopefully, in the future we can plan some events ahead of time that are not spur of the moment that will involve the commuters as well! I, too, am trying really hard to network this summer. I have goals to work the city as well and I know one day I’ll cross paths with some of these same community leaders. Nothing wrong with getting a head start!