People love to talk about the negative, especially when it comes to Detroit: “The Tragedy of Detroit,” “Detroit Files for Bankruptcy” or “Detroit Leads the Nation in Crime” just to name a few. Yet after being here for almost five months, I see so much more: I see a city full of culture, tradition, pride and camaraderie.

Some who are familiar with Detroit and its story may disagree with me. They’ll say that the notion that “Detroit has a lot to offer”, that “Detroit is full of hope”or that “Detroit is a special place” is cliche. Yet I beg to differ; it isn’t cliche, its just a fact. Every pillar of our year in Challenge Detroit is important, yet I must say that the #liveDetroit component of our year is one of the most important, if not THE most important part of our program. Many people WORK in Detroit, some PLAY in Detroit, others may GIVE in Detroit, but few actually LIVE in this great city, and experience all that it has to offer.

I love living in Detroit. And although I live in downtown Detroit, I try to make a conscious effort to get outside the downtown bubble. By heading to Southwest Detroit and having lunch at Zocalo’s on Bagley, heading to the Westside to eat at the American Bistro on Livernois, getting my hair done on Livernois, going to my favorite bar (which is also on Livernois), or getting my car washed (yes its on Livernois as well) or even going to the new Marshall’s on 8 mile and Woodward, I try to explore different parts of the city. I’ve also enjoyed a high school football game at one of the local high schools here in Detroit, and also visited new friends in the historic Boston Edison neighborhood. It must also be mentioned that in the five months that I’ve been here, I’ve witnessed many changes downtown, but also in the neighborhoods. For example, in addition to the Marshalls and Meijer and grocery story (which I frequent) a new Subway, Radio Shack and Wingstop have also popped up on 8 mile and Woodward.
I say all this to say, that although I haven’t been to every part of the city, and that I do venture out into the suburbs at times (specifically for the malls, which may become unnecessary once Detroit gets more retail through initiatives like Hatch Detroit and Detroit Soup!) I want to continue to explore all 142 square miles of this great city. As a public policy major and social justice advocate, I have truly enjoyed living in a city where new developments are happening day in and day out.

Yes, Detroit has its issues, and its fair share of obstacles, but its not all about that: its also about living in the city and enjoying what it has to offer.