As these seven weeks have went by, I cannot help but look back and appreciate all the friends I have made in the program. Even though I do not hang out as much with them due to being a commuter, the time I have spent with everyone was beyond enjoyable. The DCBRP has allowed me to become good friends with people in such a short time. I have learned so much more about Detroit from students who aren’t even from Detroit, than the ones who are. That in itself has shown me the process of learning, and the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge with others. The seminars and the weekly gatherings have allowed me to open myself up to a group of diverse people, and through that I have learned more about the history of Detroit outside from the history I already knew of, something that I have not quite experienced at my placement.
I must admit, my birthday week and weekend was the most fun for me. I have spoken to, and hung out with the other students a lot more than I normally do. Most, if not almost all of us went out to dinner at the Traffic Jam and Snug for me and Kaia’s birthday. We had such a great time at the table learning about each other and were we come from. Everyone was so gracious enough to plan such a wonderful evening just for me and her. They even took it upon themselves to make me and Kaia cole slaw and tatar sauce cupcakes! (We didn’t eat them of course). Then on Friday, a few of the students came to my house to help celebrate my birthday with me. It meant so much to me because they did not have to come all the way to the west side of town to spend a few moments with me. That in itself shows how wonderful the students in the program are and how supportive everyone is of each other.
I do hope that for the next three weeks I get the opportunity to have more fun with everyone. I feel so at home when we are all together, even if it’s just a minimum of two days out the week.
