Hi!! I’m Jillian and I’m studying Community and Global Public Health at U-M! I’m excited to be part of the DCERP program and work in Detroit.
The word community can mean many things, as it can refer to a place, group, or feeling. To me, community is best described as a feeling. It is a sense of belonging and togetherness that grows as quality time is spent. I was especially drawn to work in Detroit because of the pride and passion present in Detroit communities and among residents.
My community partner is Hope Village Revitalization, a non-profit aiming to improve the lives/health of Detroit’s Hope Village. As part of my work, I help at the Hope Village Farmers Market every Wednesday. A strength that helps me at the market is that I enjoy meeting new people, and there are plenty of new people to meet each week! However, I can sometimes be a bit shy (especially when I am working), so I want to work on overcoming shyness this summer.
At the end of the program, I would be especially proud to see my contributions improve access to healthy resources in the Hope Village community. If even one community member feels as though their health has improved thanks to the quality, affordable produce nearby at the Market or the free screenings available at the Community Health Fairs that I will help plan/promote, then I will be very proud!
