Week #10 – Detroit Community-Engaged Research Program

Week #10

Well Audrey, the ten weeks are up.

It’s been an adventure, one you’ll never forget. I remember the way you viewed Detroit back when you were applying for DCBRP, how you had the perception of a hip, new, revived Detroit that they want you to see. I remember when your knowledge of the city was limited to Tigers games, Greek town, and the riverfront.

In the ten weeks that you’ve worked, explored, and socialized in Detroit you have expanded that perception from Cork town to the north west to the east side. You have built relationships with the city through your work. When you leave you will no longer see the whitewashed, gentrified version of Detroit. You will see the children of Parkside, the street art near Midtown, the beaches of Belle isle, the bike lanes of Corktown, and the history of downtown. You are leaving behind the friendships you have made with your coworkers at the Friends of Parkside and the tears of the Girl Scouts who didn’t want you to leave so soon. You will always be an outsider to Detroit, but you now have a sample sized taste of many different facets of Detroit.

I know that you’re worried about whether you have done the right thing by becoming part of these children’s lives after watching them walk home with shoulders slumped and tears staining their faces. But hopefully you had an impact on their summer and they will remember swimming at the water park, winning the curb ball tournament, and selling lemonade. More than anything I know you are leaving in a few days with a profound respect for the people and history of the city of Detroit. I know that the city and the people you have experienced it with have left an impact on your summer and your growth. 

I know you’re sad about going to your last day of work and the tears that may ensue, but enjoy your last memories with the people of Parkisde and thank them for allowing you to be impacted by their lives.

Love,

Audrey

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