Semester D

Throughout the last half century, it has been disheartening to see plans to change Detroit fail miserably. These plans for change span from since before Coleman Young until the present and have had little effect on the downward spiraling course of the city. It can make one wonder if they’re working for an unattainable goal by investing here. Of course, as Semester in Detroit students we have been plunged into the overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive qualities of the city. We know that Detroit is a safe investment. An investment in Detroit is an investment in hundreds of thousands of people, histories, and cultures. In five years I see President Obama ending his second term and our country out of one of the worst recessions in history. I see Detroit, as one of the hardest hit areas, rising out of the ashes on the surge of enthusiasm that engulfs it. Although I don’t see it changed much in just five years, this is the start of a long and tedious process that will ultimately turn this city of potential around.

I can’t say with certitude that I will be in Detroit in five years. However, I can say with certitude that Detroit will be in me. Hopefully, I will be finishing up grad school somewhere and starting on my hunt for a career. Ideally, I would love to be in Michigan and especially in Detroit. Realistically, I know I will go wherever I can make a living. Although I will go wherever, I feel my interests will lead me to a career here. It hurts to think of myself anywhere but Michigan and Detroit and that’s why I will always try to be here. This will ALWAYS be home. Throughout my life I plan to make valuable contributions to the city. Whether this means living or working here, or investing in some other way, I will continue to influence Detroit as it influences me. This is just the beginning of a long relationship between the city and I.