Whenever I leave the city I take a part of it with me. Whether it’s a Lions hat or my Challenge Detroit t-shirt, I have to represent in some way. This month I’ve traveled over 5,000 miles and naturally that brings opportunities to meet new people. Conversations may start differently, but somehow they always steer toward Detroit.

Last week during my trip to Mexico, one conversation started as a discussion of the night life in the local city. A colleague asked another, “is it safe for Americans given recent developments in the U.S. political world?” As a first time traveler in Mexico, I understood the concern. But as a Detroiter, I instantly recalled the exasperation of fielding questions of Detroit’s safety. Logically, that was the next topic. My response is always the same. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t wander the streets, and you’ll be just fine.

Sometimes, it’s hard to give clear and accurate representation of the city. I have a tour guide perspective, a current resident perspective, and a historical perspective all rolled into one. It’s a delicate balance. I try to remember that whenever I leave the city and engage with outsiders, I instantly become a subject matter expert. And for this, I am especially aware that whatever I say will likely be taken as fact. It will influence the picture of the city painted in their minds until they arrive and experience it for themselves.

Greg is an engineer and social change agent with a talent for taking things apart and putting them back together. Follow on Instagram/Twitter @stemavenue