For years now Wayne State University has had a spring break program called Alternative Spring Break Detroit (ASBD). ASBD is many things from eye-opening to inspiring, but ultimately it is life changing. There are various aspects to ASBD including the service, the culture and the people of Detroit.
Serving one's city
The students involved are exposed to a variety of different community service projects in their own city. Throughout my time at Wayne State University I have not only been encouraged to help my community, but some classes required a community service project. ASBD was able to expose not only myself, but other WSU students to community service activities going on all over the city in various different social sectors that many of us had never heard of or were unaware existed. Whether one is weeding a garden while looking out on the 5 o'clock rush hour down the street from the MGM Casino at Plum Street Market Garden; sorting through art supplies at Arts and Scraps; or even helping Auntie Na organize her library, create gardens, or clean up her neighborhood for her house she opens up for the people of her neighborhood, one will be taking part of services that are unique to Detroit. ASBD gives you a chance to get involved in organizations you might not have tried out or find on your own.
Experiencing the City of Detroit
You say "good morning" and "goodnight" to the beautiful city. The high-rise buildings, Fox Theatre, and Comerica Park with the beautiful sunrise sets the tone for the rest of the day. Through tours, visits, little side stops and the culturally rich dinners, one is exposed to the people, the culture, the history and various other aspects of Detroit. Maybe it was sitting in the middle of a garden watching 5 o'clock traffic in the most peaceful way, venturing through various forms of street art, or discovering one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. Maybe it was meeting the amazing individuals who make of the people of Detroit, either way I fell in love with Detroit all over again and left feeling like I could never truly part.
Meeting the movers and shakers of Detroit
If I had to describe ASBD in one word it would be inspiring. No, I was not personally inspired by the work I was doing in the community, but I was inspired by the amazing people who are a part of and put together these community service projects.
Meeting a man who was laid off from his job, but turned around and made a garden for his community. He not only helps feed his community, he helps establish a community. A place where people actually communicate and grow off of each other. He even was there to help guide teens when parents came to him with dismay.
Meeting a woman who lives in a community most would see as undesirable, who opens her doors to anyone and attempts to create a home environment for her neighbors. When she sees kids walking up the street and immediately someone at Auntie Na's is eager and ready to fix the kid up with some food to take home.
Meeting an amazing couple who have spent years growing their organization in Detroit that focuses on academics, arts and athletics for students (Woodbridge Youth Center). Even when problems came their way with building issues, they relocated and are now in the process of establishing their organization in Brightmoore.
Through this experience I came across individual after individual, from all aspects of life with different circumstances who took a negative situation and responded to it in any way they knew. They did not run from the problems they faced, but challenge their problems. Meeting these individuals, hearing their stories, and seeing all they have accomplished is something simple words cannot describe.
The friends who had partaken in ASBD
Although I would call you my friends, those whom I experienced the wonderful five-day journey of ASBD with, you are without a doubt also the movers and shakers of Detroit. Each and every one of you inspire me.
Many of us stayed up way too late into the night playing games, having debates or talking through some of the deepest conversations. I truly appreciate spending time with such energetic individuals and each word said, each laugh giggled, and each tear let go was wonderful to share with you. No one would have ever guessed that we would have gotten so close to one another in such a short period of time, but wow it easily happened.
I've always enjoyed listening to people with passion talk about their hopes and dreams, and surrounding myself with such ambitious and passionate people was a one-of-a-kind experience. We always hear about surrounding ourselves with the right type of people, and after ASBD I truly understand that concept. Being around people who are eager and passionate about helping others simply enhances your desires to do more to help your community. Being around people who strive to be the best they can be, makes you want to follow in their footsteps.
It was a pleasure getting to be a part of various projects that are attempting to better Detroit, while experiencing all that Detroit has to offer. But it was life-changing to meet the individuals who are trying to make a brighter tomorrow. Whether it be the leaders of organizations throughout the city, or students just trying to help Detroit grow, it is not only inspiring, but crucial work that you are a part of.
