Week one in Detroit was extraordinary and tiring. The Fellows were thrust onto high ropes courses, which ended up testing our limits in a rewarding way. This experience created a very open bonding experience for the fellows, we faced our own fears while we helped others embrace theirs in an incredible support system. I am terrified of heights, normally standing on a chair is adequate enough for me to get adrenaline going. So when I struggled up the ropes course and out onto the wire, there was not a time when I did not have the support of those around me.
During Orientation the fellows spoke and met with coffee shops in different areas of Detroit; they opened our eyes to how community businesses can ground neighborhoods. One of the most rewarding experiences was seeing the Artist’s Village on Lahser; I will never cease to be amazed at art and coffee’s ability to bring people together to express themselves in a safe way.
After orientation week had finished, I attended Brunch the Sunday after at Parks & Recreation with a few of the fellows. I wish I would have been able to attend more events that evening but it was the weekend of labor day that was officially my move in to Detroit. I went to brunch early to walk around the city a little bit, trying to familiarize myself in the small ways that I can. I spent a little time in the Rosa Park’s Transit Center.
The following week I started my first full-time job at Edward C. Levy. I was welcomed into the company by enthusiastic and truly kind people.
Week two in challenge was a hands on design thinking process: we expanded our thinking while dealing with the topic of open streets Detroit. Open streets is a 2 consecutive Sunday activity where 3.7 miles of Michigan ave/Vernor are shut down as a way to encourage activity and life onto the streets. It’s about turning our streets into a place for people and bikes– not just cars.