As a recent transplant to Detroit, I made my mission in 2018 to accomplish a few goals to become better situated in my new community. My last blog post laid out what my resolutions were and how I planned on accomplishing them. Now that we’re (finally) entering spring, I thought it would be a good time to look back on those plans to see where I’m at and what I still need to work on.

I’ve spent the last few months trying to branch out from my Challenge Detroit network and better root myself in the city. As a self-defined introvert, I do struggle in new situations and am not always quick to make new connections. Even though it’s hard to push myself outside of my comfort zone, I have been better this year about trying new things and putting myself into uncomfortable situations.

 

 

 

So, let’s take a look at my original 4 resolutions and how well I’ve done keeping them so far:

  • Learn more about my new home
    • Go on a Corktown walking tour so I know about the rich past of my neighborhood
      • Unfortunately, haven’t been on a walking tour yet (but in my defense it has been cold….)
    • Read more literature about Detroit’s past and where it’s heading (any recommendations will be greatly appreciated)
      • So far so good – I recently finished reading “How to Live in Detroit Without Being a Jackass” (informative for a newcomer like myself) and am currently working through “Black Detroit”
    • Continue attending community meetings and events, and listen to what my long-term neighbors are experiencing as the city rapidly changes
      • I have been attending as many of my district meetings and Corktown meetings as I can. I’ve never attended community meetings before living in Detroit so it has really helped me feel a sense of community and understanding the dynamics of such a culturally rich neighborhood.
  • Immerse myself in the Detroit music scene
    • Attend more local venues and support local artists
      • Could definitely be doing a better job getting to know local artists, but I have enjoyed a few concerts around the city and have been trying to hit up as many venues as I can.
    • Dust off my drums and join in the music scene myself
      • Accomplished! I’ve been playing with the Detroit Party Marching Band the last few months and have re-ignited my love for music. How have I let myself go so long without playing?? Truly blasphemy, but its been great to be back on those drums!
  • Embrace my inner artist
    • Adventure outside of the downtown/Midtown area, and spend time getting to know new neighborhoods by sketching everyday Detroit scenes
      • Not doing so hot on this resolution – but now that the sun is out and the flowers are in bloom, it’s time to pull out those watercolors!
  • Get back to my roots
    • Become involved with organizations which share my passion for urban agriculture and food security
      • Sadly, have not accomplished this resolution yet either, but now is the time to be digging into that dirt. This one is still in the works and I’m hoping in the next month I’ll be out in a garden!

I still have a lot of work to do in accomplishing all my goals this year, but thankfully I still have 8 more months. I’m excited to see where these months take me and what new interests I may find on the way.