Week 1: Letter

Hey Kim,

It’s been great from the very beginning! Everyone on the program is fun, the city is new and exciting, and my job is everything you dreamed it would be. You’re going to love it. This program has met and exceeded my expectations in only three days.

There’s so much we’ve done in these first few days and I really want you to make the most of these short 10 weeks. It’ll fly by, so don’t fall into the recluse hermit-Kim mode! And don’t forget to introduce yourself to everyone in the office. Also, go to one of those weekly slow-roll 10 mile bike rides! …Actually, there are so many things you need to remember. I’m just going to list them off for you. Don’t forget to:

• Learn how to budget groceries like a real adult
• Cook for yourself once in a while for god’s sake – instant ramen was good tonight, but every day…?
• Talk to the other students each day
• Be the annoying and overly-ambitious intern
• Update LinkedIn and resume with all the cool things you do
• Explore every library and museum around
• Learn more about the other projects
• Leave E3 Talent Design Lab with a completed high-quality project

But of all the things to remember, don’t forget why you’re here. Be humble. Learn from Detroit. Don’t try to make big fixes on something you don’t know about. You’re only 10 weeks in one little community of Detroit. The people from Detroit have so much to offer to you. As someone who’s never been in Detroit, there’s so much to learn about the city. Don’t be a tourist. Learn, listen, and live in the city. You’re going to grow not only from your job, but from the community and city of Detroit.

I know you’ll make a big impact in your little community of Detroit early education research and policy. Be the go-getter you can be. Ooze with passion every day. Wake up with radiating ambition. It’s going to be a great summer.

-Kim