I’m standing on a rock overlooking the skyline on the horizon as the sun sets. I still have so much to learn. There is so much beauty in the sky here, as it changes from burnt red to a deep purple. I am in awe. I am in awe of the people around me, by their passion, and by their sense of community.

If I’ve learned one thing over the past few weeks it’s that Detroit is a community, and in this community people care deeply, fully, and wholeheartedly. And while Detroit is a living, breathing American artifact, the waves lapping along the riverfront are timeless.

But I’ll spare you the poetry – here’s a list of some things I’ve learned over the past few weeks:

I will not save Detroit, but Detroit will save me

The architecture: is amazing

Local business owners: are amazing

The street art: is amazing

Warehouse party’s: are cool

The Eastern Market: makes healthy living affordable and is amazing

Community gardens and the benefits of a food sovereign Detroit: are concepts everyone should get behind

People here: are awesome

When you listen: you learn

If you look around: you will learn

If you be yourself: you will belong

Thinking back to that sunset on Belle Isle I realize this is only the beginning, and I am burnt red, deep purple, ready for tomorrow’s day.