Hi everyone! My name is Claire and I’m a rising sophomore double-majoring in Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Sciences. I am working at the MSU Extension Detroit Partnership for Food Learning and Innovation (DPFLI for short), which is an urban farm and research site in the Brightmoor neighborhood. To me, community is, broadly speaking, a group of people who share some common experiences and goals. A community supports its members and provides human connection. I grew up in Clawson, Michigan, which is a suburb about 30 minutes north of Detroit. Growing up as a metro Detroiter, I was exposed to many negative perspectives on the city–things that are not entirely wrong, as Detroit does face many issues, but are certainly not the whole story. However, I also started to learn about some of the incredible cultural and social innovation going on in the Motor City. Doing community work in Detroit gives me the opportunity to learn and fix my preconceived ideas, and to contribute meaningfully to a place I care about. One skill I think will help me be successful at DPFLI is my willingness and ability to learn about a variety of topics, integrating natural and social sciences. Over the course of this program, I would like to develop my interpersonal skills, and in particular become more outgoing and friendly towards people I do not know. At the end of this summer, I hope to have made genuine connections and friends both among the other DCERP fellows and among the community members at my site. I’m looking forward to the next two months here, and I can’t wait to get to know everyone better! 🙂
3 thoughts on “Week One: Hello!”
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Hi Claire! It was nice meeting you during Sunday’s outing. I’m also about 30 minutes outside of Detroit and like you, I also was exposed to negative stereotypes/perspectives about this city. I hope that throughout the summer, we’re able to use our community work to improve some of the current issues here and spread the word to others about what an amazing city Detroit truly is. Good luck and enjoy the rest of your week!
Hi Claire! I also think that your goal of developing interpersonal skills is definitely something I can work towards to as I go on to surveying community members this summer.
Hey Claire, it’s great to hear more about your goals and interests during DCERP. I love that you’re doing work that gets you involved with the environment. I look forward to learning more about what you gain from this experience.