In early February, my LAS cohort took a trip to Detroit. This was my first time ever being in the city of Detroit. It was not at all like everyone said it was like. They mentioned violence on the streets, run down buildings, many homeless people on the streets. Perhaps they were right 5 years ago, but the city of Detroit now is a marvel. Beginning of our trip we went to Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. My group facilitated 5 students who were motivated to do our fun activities. Some of the games included mine field, eagles nest, and who’s bringing what to the picnic.
After our see you laters we went to the Quicken Loans building. I felt immersed in a futuristic city than what I expected in downtown Detroit. At Quicken Loans we had pizza, pop, and salad. Then after dinner we got a debrief with the vice president of Quicken Loans. He explained that Quicken Loans has donated countless hours and charitable dollars to the city of Detroit. Afterwards, we got an extensive tour of the building. We departed that night to the Detroit Institute of Arts. I was by myself for the length of the trip, but I didn’t mind. I wanted to be alone and take this time to reflect and look at various paintings. The final part of the trip of the night was we went to the Outdoor Action Center near the river overlooking Caesars Palace which turns out to be Canada. What I learned about this Action center is that it used to be a run down building that overlooked a garbage pile along the river bank of Detroit. In the morning, we went to the Cass Community Social Services, and this was not at all like I was expecting. I was expecting a place where people slept, but it was a place that people came to and help make food for the homeless, earn money for the center, make products, and gave people a second chance. The last length of the trip was going to Great Lakes Crossing and home.
What I learned in this trip was that Detroit isn’t what people made it out to be. It wasn’t in ruins nor did I see the mayhem people told me about. Detroit is coming back as a productive city. What surprised me was that Detroit wasn’t crowded with people on the streets. Everyone had places to be and there wasn’t a congested time that it became overcrowded with people. Thus, this made me realize that people had jobs and a life in Detroit. What made me happy was that Quicken Loans is offering to help clean up this society. This random act of kindness is also seen at the Cass Community building. Their organization too is giving people second chances and offering anything they can to help their city.
At the Detroit Institute of Arts, I was able to get help from volunteer workers. I had no idea that people would give their time to support their local art museum especially in Detroit. It was amazing to talk to the Detroit volunteers and ask them what makes their city great. They responded that it’s because of local shelters and businesses taking the time to take care of the city. One mans reason for volunteering was to give back to his local community in someway. I started to think also how the leadership academy kids are going to do when they lend a hand. That this is their home and they are lucky, and the best way to show appreciation is by also volunteering their time to their community.
What I might do in the future as a leader is becoming more involved in the development of Michigan. I should take pride in my state and what better way of doing it is getting involved in my neighboring counties business. Another thing I should do is promote issues happening today. As of today Flint still needs help. The bests things I can do as a neighboring city is send a care packages and a PSA from time to time of important things my state needs from me. I would love to keep up to date on issues locally too.
As a leader I need to be able to adapt to my surroundings. Perhaps, I need to take it easier and slower, for anything can happen. There are key times that are fixed, but other times I need to go with the flow of what is currently happening to me instead of panicking. The numerous opportunities to better myself should not go unmissed. I should fact check certain current events, and I should tell others too.
What specific leadership skills Detroit needs right now are people who can listen, people who can serve, and people who can guide others in helping with the progression of the city. Leadership isn’t necessarily found in qualified leaders but in random acts of kindness. I think the development of the city can be made first by its own people. Then after start to attract more people in a great cause. By listening to the people volunteers can suit their needs, by serving the community it lessens the burden on some, and with the guidance of others Detroit can become a popular city again.
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