Semester D

Academic Info

I’m currently a sophomore in the Residential College at the University of Michigan studying Spanish and History among other things.  I grew up in Boston, Toledo, upstate New York, Dublin (Ireland), and most recently Ann Arbor – with a tradition of travel within me, I am currently living in midtown Detroit on the Wayne campus.

My involvement with the Semester in Detroit program is a result of my belief in participatory learning, a love for cities, and a curiosity for all that is Detroit.  I can speak only good things on behalf of the program thus far and here’s a hats off to the student and staff dedicated to organizing this semester of D-town investigation.

My Internship

I work at Clark Park in Southwest Detroit, a recreational centerpiece of its community which serves hundreds of youth and families year round.  My work mostly revolves around direct interaction with the patrons of the park – primarily children.  The park, at this season, provides Learn-to-skate programs that I (with a limited skating ability, myself) consider my favorite times at the park.  Additionally, intramural hockey for both youth and adults are regularly programmed at the park as well as independent fundraisers, festivals, and various hockey tournaments.  The park provides at a most basic and needed level the kind of community organizing and support that speaks to the success of SouthWest Detroit.

My Coursework

In addition to the required Reflection and Detroit History seminars of the program, I am enrolled in Lolita Hernandez’s, author of “Autopsy of an Engine”, Creative Writing course which explores the authorship of work and labor as well as in an Independent Study with Nick Tobier, of the UofM School of Art and Design, where alongside other SiD students we are engaging the students of Caesar Chavez High School in an after school program Good Eats Detroit.

Personal Info

Beyond walking up and down the streets that design Detroit’s Midtown, I enjoy a good crêpe, hip hop, and outdoor adventures.  My favorite movie is The Lords of Dogtown, my favorite fruit are oranges, and I’d like to one day meet a giraffe.