Last Sunday I arrived in Detroit after almost 24 hours of travelling. I was both exhausted and eager to discover Detroit. When I told people I would spend the summer in the “Motor City”, they would always warn me how dangerous and desolate the place has been. They would tell me how the crime rates are “extremely high” and how they “knew someone who got robbed 10 years ago”. It was hard for me not to believe what my peers said because I had never been to Detroit. However, I did my best to enter the city with an open mind and neutral judgment.
On the first full day, we had an afternoon tour of the city with the Detroit Experience Factory. I had previously been on organized tours in other countries but this was the first time where I felt like I had a genuine and candid visit of a new place. Indeed, we not only visited the really nice and emblematic areas of the town but also the less developed neighborhoods. It was a real experience as we saw both modern skyscrapers and broken down houses less than 10 minutes away from each other. I was also surprised by how friendly and passionate the tour guide was about his city. It seems like in Detroit everyone is together, fighting against this negative stereotype that overshadows the actual characteristics of the city. While on the tour bus, I observed a shop called “Detroit is the New Black”. This phrase seems to illustrate how the locals are trying to make Detroit a modern, young and fun place to live. As we visited downtown, this became very apparent with its busy bars, contemporary restaurants and newly created QLINE.
I also realized that Detroit was unique with its rich history of innovation and technology. The visit of the Ford Museum was absolutely fascinating as I saw the power and inventiveness of human beings with the automated and cutting-edge machines. This visit motivated me to do my best at Build Institute, my community partner, to help the community continue to grow and develop. I am really looking forward to this summer in Detroit!
On the first full day, we had an afternoon tour of the city with the Detroit Experience Factory. I had previously been on organized tours in other countries but this was the first time where I felt like I had a genuine and candid visit of a new place. Indeed, we not only visited the really nice and emblematic areas of the town but also the less developed neighborhoods. It was a real experience as we saw both modern skyscrapers and broken down houses less than 10 minutes away from each other. I was also surprised by how friendly and passionate the tour guide was about his city. It seems like in Detroit everyone is together, fighting against this negative stereotype that overshadows the actual characteristics of the city. While on the tour bus, I observed a shop called “Detroit is the New Black”. This phrase seems to illustrate how the locals are trying to make Detroit a modern, young and fun place to live. As we visited downtown, this became very apparent with its busy bars, contemporary restaurants and newly created QLINE.
I also realized that Detroit was unique with its rich history of innovation and technology. The visit of the Ford Museum was absolutely fascinating as I saw the power and inventiveness of human beings with the automated and cutting-edge machines. This visit motivated me to do my best at Build Institute, my community partner, to help the community continue to grow and develop. I am really looking forward to this summer in Detroit!
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