I definitely have changed since the beginning of the program. I’ve learned more about myself and the role I see myself playing in the world as a change agent. It was extraordinarily powerful to be a part of an organization that helps young people to grow; that provided them with important knowledge about the world …
The most important thing I’ve learned from the DCERP group meetings is to trust that everyone takes their own unique journey and will end up exactly where they need to be. It often feels like we’re forced to decide what we want our career to be when we’re as young as middle and high school: …
Week Seven Blog – Discuss an experience in the DCERP program that has stood out to you thatdidn’t occur at your placement. Last week, when I logged onto our bi-weekly DCERP meetings, I realized that nobody had their camera turned on. I’m not sure if I was missing something, or people were just tired after …
I’m going to use this space to repost a reflection that I saw on Instagram. I resonated with me and I hope you can find meaning in it, too. “I think one of the biggest enlightenments we can have as young women is the very truth that happiness, success, and fulfillment aren’t destinations. That there …
I have loved seeing cities across America painting messages on streets in support of the BLM movement. Not that these painted murals are enough – white people need to continue to actively support Black America. But, I like that these murals serve as a large-scale reminder of the importance of BLM movement. It’s a statement …
I recently told my mom that my mentor at DFA had become, throughout the course of the year, a friend. She had welcomed me into the organization, spoke to me as an equal, and was patient and kind as I learned the ropes of the organization. Our professional relationship reflects the workplace culture at DFA. …
This is not exactly something that I’ve learned, but it’s something that I keep noticing over and over again in my work: Detroit is a community of passionate, thoughtful adults and equally passionate and resilient youth. DFA’s summer program is partnered with a larger program called GDYT, or Grow Detroit’s Young Talent. GDYT and its …
Week 3: Passionate People and Pandemic Predicaments Read More »
The organization I’m working with is named Detroit Food Academy. DFA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Their mission is to “inspire young Detroiters (ages 10-24) through culinary arts and food entrepreneurship… [to] grow as holistic leaders who are healthy, connected, and powerful to affect change in our communities and beyond.” DFA runs an after school program …
Dear Sasha, As you start your first week at DFA, the world ablaze with pain and rage over hundreds of years of the Black community suffering at the hands of white people. You have been struggling with how best to show your support and allyship, and how you can be actively contributing to positive change …
