As I’ve progressed through my young adult years and the beginning stages of my blossoming career, I’ve been given a lot of great professional advice:
- “Find a mentor.”
- “Prioritize the things that matter.”
- “Keep your Linkedin updated.”
- “Be proactive. Not reactive.”
- “Always reply to emails.”
- “You don’t have to actually drink coffee when you meet up for coffee…”
I’ve worked hard to take people’s advice, process it, and improve. As I’ve invested a lot of energy into personal and professional development, I’ve gotten a lot more life-saving advice. However, in the midst of all these good wishes, I’ve still consistently gotten some advice that I just don’t get:
- “Move to LA. You’ll be great here!”
- “New York would love you! You should try it.”
- “Don’t stay here. There’s nothing here.”
- “You won’t go far if you stay in Detroit.”
This advice is usually confusing because life-long Detroiters typically give it. I understand that Detroit’s history and current state has its pitfalls and low points. I’m aware that there are other states where I could “succeed” in my field and climb corporate ladders. I’m aware that the weather here is beyond bizarre most of the time (polar vortex, anyone?)
Yet, I don’t understand how someone can reach success then leave the place that GAVE them the chance to succeed. I’m all about reciprocation. You can’t get big and then squash all the people who helped you get to that point. I feel the same way about my city. Detroit is my home, my mother, my teacher, my lover and my best friend. There’s no way I can leave the D! I’ve heard many natives, the ones I grew up around near the far west side of the city, often complain that there’s nothing in this city. But there will NEVER be anything in Detroit if people keep leaving! Moreover what is created here won’t be authentically Detroit if all the Detroiters leave! That’s like a parent always leaving their child unattended at home, never taking it to school, and never changing it’s pull-ups then complaining that their child is bad, unintelligent, and smells like crap all the time! That’s because YOU didn’t do your job. There’s no point in complaining about anything unless you’re willing to get up and make changes. I’m a big proponent of the 3 wise R’s (I totally made these up):
- Reciprocity.
- You Reap what you sow.
- ROI (return on investment).
I will say, however, that I’m glad to see life-long Detroiters, despite the pains of their past, rolling up their sleeves and making change in this city that is relevant to it’s history, culture and future!
Amidst my 25 years of life in Detroit I’ve witnessed much beauty, support, advancement and opportunity! Detroit fills me with hope. Adversity and hard work are big parts of success and I know it won’t be easy bringing success to my home. But I’ll be damned if I don’t at least try.
To the disapproval of the naysayers, I’ve decided that I will remain a Detroiter. I will work here, live here, play here, give here, lead here and GROW here. I will stay here and work to see beautiful progress in Detroit. Whether you have lived in Detroit for 80 years or 8 months, my advice is that you continue to invest your time and energy into this place. You’ll be surprised to see what you can sow when you wait for things to grow!
With that in mind, anyone looking for a platform to help foster their investment in Detroit’s future should apply for year 3 of Challenge Detroit!
Until next time…
A passionate, die-hard Detroiter,
Brandi