I adore the holiday season and this year was no exception. Yet this year’s celebrations and gatherings bore no resemblance to those of years past. This is the first time in my life I have called a place other than Oxford, Ohio my home. Even typing this feels odd, but I know it is true. My immersion into Detroit has been exciting, challenging, and everything in between. The holidays marked my first opportunity to describe my life here in detail to family and friends. Each person had different questions about my new life. Listening closely to their excitements and concerns allowed me a clear picture of what those on the outside looking in think about Detroit. In almost all instances in my life I over speak or under speak. Holiday conversations about Detroit were no different. I under spoke. So this is a blog of corrections, things I should have said.

The Uncles
My mom’s brothers grew up in the Metro Detroit Area during a time of of major transition for the city, 50’s-60’s. They remember a Detroit that I will never know. Shocked does not begin to describe their response when they learned about my move. Though they asked questions and patiently listened to my responses, their opinions on the city were definitely the loudest points of our conversation. Statistics on crime and urban blight were carelessly thrown around. The term godless was used more than once.
WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID
These problems are why I moved to Detroit. My fellow fellows and I see these exact problems as opportunities for growth. I want to live in a city that is rebuilding itself, because I want to be a part of that rebuilding. A small, tiny, idealistic part, but a part nonetheless. You can’t have this experience in a city without problems. I would also dare you to name a large American city that has no problems.

HelloWord Office

HelloWorld Office

The Parents
These two characters have been the champions of my education from the start. With this fact and my student loans on their mind, they wanted me to dive right in to talking about work. Luckily I have nothing but rave reviews to share about my host company, HelloWorld. To put it simply, I love going to work. We provide cross platform digital solutions to top brands and companies looking to engage consumers in a meaningful way. As a member of the Client Solutions Team, I get to combine my two favorite things: digital media and interpersonal communication. The casual and supportive work environment is every millennial’s dream. They were thrilled to know that for me Detroit will continue to be a city full of fulfilling career opportunities.
WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID
Detroit warmly welcomes young professionals like myself, but is still struggling to support many of its lifelong residents. I love the sense of belonging that has quickly been offered to me, but with it comes a sense of guilt. I want to live in a city that has opportunities for all residents.

The Besties
This group of spirited friends was more than willing to share in the joy of my big postgrad move. They had heard the stories of vintage boutiques, trendy coffee shops, and cheap fabulous housing. We reveled in making plans for their trips to visit. For better or worse Detroit has it. That underdog vibe that attracts 20 somethings with a taste for bourbon and fashion in hoards.
WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID
Detroit is bustling with drunken activities galore for young professionals. I would be lying if I said that was not one of the reasons I loved living here, but there is so much more going on. Community. I should have talked about the community and great events like Detroit Soup. I should have talked about the challenges. Because these are all a part of living in a city that was once considered great. I want my friends and anyone with a conscience to move here, but I want those people to have a clear picture of what Detroit has to offer.

Though these conversations are done, these topics will come up countless times during the duration of my fellowship year. So with these thoughts fresh in my heart, I hope that I can serve as a better advocate for Detroit and for my life here.