Seeing that is my first blog, I’m new to the state and to you. It seems an opportune moment to tell you a little about me. My name is Andrea Stegeman. Most recently I was living in Lincoln, Nebraska working on my Master’s Degree in architecture. Before which I was living in Carbondale, Illinois completing my Bachelors Degree. I grew up in Glen Carbon, Illinois about 25 minutes from St. Louis. And I moved to Detroit about 2 months ago.

Why am I telling you my moving history? Because when you move to Detroit people question your decision, however when you move to Nebraska nobody bats an eye. They just warn you about the weather and ask how much you like football. When moving to Detroit people question your decision because most have an understanding of Detroit which is provided through national news feeds. Detroit a city in shambles, slowly picking up pieces after the car industry bottomed out. Detroit depicted as a ghost town, it’s buildings vacant and constantly featured on ruin porn ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruins_photography). Detroit, when they actually mean Flint, where the water quality is undrinkable.

“So why are you moving to Detroit?” This question was usually accompanied with a look of concern and disgust morphed into one.  This question is usually followed by a list of reasons not to move including increased crime, your car getting stolen or destroyed, or you getting mugged. After reasons not to move, people follow up with a piece of advice anywhere from getting a concealed carry to not going out at night alone. This conversation I had over and over was a continual frustration. Fun Fact: Detroit is just like any other city. I wouldn’t walk around downtown St. Louis by myself after dark. Also St. Louis and Detroit often end up on the most dangerous cities list. In either city you have the chance of your car getting broken into or your wallet getting stolen, you just have to be aware of your surroundings.

There is a flip side to the coin, “Why did you move to Detroit?” Detroiters want to ensure you didn’t move here with nefarious intent. Detroiters are people who don’t understand the word no, they never give up on their city. They look no in the face an grin, picking up parts that were left behind and making something amazing out of it. They know that hard work, sweat, and tears are the ingredients to accomplishing what seems impossible.  Detroiters want you to recognize the city’s history and how it is still influencing their future. Ultimately it is all about respect. Respect Detroit all or nothing and contribute your talents to make it even better.

So why did I move to Detroit. I moved here to learn from a city which is growing and engaged.  I want to expand my knowledge and connect to people with vision; people building businesses, renovating streets, taking political action, putting concept into practice. I also moved to Detroit because of how it makes you feel, you become apart of a community that has your back good times and bad. Another fellow described it best: Detroit is a big city with the small town feel.

So…Why are you moving to Detroit?