Hi all! At week five in the DCERP program we are now over halfway done with our fellowship and honestly it does give a lot to reflect on. I have interacted from many people within the DREAM of Detroit organization and community, I have gotten to meet very interesting people outside the organization and are friends with my supervisors, and activists for causes not directly linked to DREAM. I have gotten to work on a documentary project, an archival interview project, fundraising dinners, street fair planning and website design. I have gotten to work remote, work on site, go around neighborhoods and even work at my supervisor’s residence. It’s been quite the experience so far and so educational.
Every single person I met, I can honestly say either taught me something, gave me a new lens to look through, or surprised me one way or another. Different perspectives, opinions, and ideas are what I believe are the things that drives innovation and problem solving but also what is key to understanding. The more you look at something from different vantage points and angles, the fuller picture you have. This makes your actions and opinions more informed and intentional as long as– and this is important– you are paying attention.
For the simple fact that I know this woman likes her privacy, we will call her Sister Ruby. Sister Ruby is a woman I met and was around for maybe three or three and a half hours. Of those three hours, she and I spoke for over two. She told me her journey in accepting Islam and the trajectory of her personal, professional, and religious life before and after. Her story truly left me in awe. She mostly spoke and I mostly asked questions and listened but I did not mind, I actually appreciated that it was like this and not the other way around. If I didn’t listen to her and I just sat there half in the conversation, I would have missed so much. It was inspirational, but in a way personal enough to me I’ll keep it for myself. I will say, thought, that Sister Ruby was so kind that she hugged me as a good-bye, gave me resources and contact information of people who can help me with my desired career path, and told me to call her Auntie Ruby for now on.
What I’m trying to say is that yes DREAM has taught me so much in the way of skills and history but also has given me priceless experiences and encounters with individuals I otherwise would not have known and shown me kindness that is at its core very genuine and I think special. I hope the next four weeks are just as special and I have a feeling that they will be.
Lauren, it’s a joy reading your post and noticing the way you relish every aspect of your community research experience! It sounds like it’s been a mutually rewarding experience for you as an active listener and for the amazing individuals sharing their stories with you. Kudos and thank you!
Hi Lauren, it’s great to see that you’re learning new knowledge and perspectives through the time at your site. Your interaction with Sister Ruby is heartwarming, I think it’s incredible how you’re creating connections with people in the community. I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts and seeing how the next few weeks go for you.