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I had to go into Detroit last Thursday for an interview. Having grown up in Michigan my whole life, I was used to going down there once in a while to go to the FOX or the Opera House or to work in a soup kitchen with my family. But I am by no means comfortable with the reputation of the city, since I grew up in the suburbs. So much negative press and memories surround Detroit, it's almost impossible to avoid.
I was very nervous that morning.
I thought that my car would probably be stolen and I'd have to sit on the street and wait for my mother to pick me up.
I got there with little to no trouble, helped by a dear family friend talking me through a few of the directions.
As I drove on the pot-hole riddled street, I tried to avoid looking at the homeless persons walking along the roads with their belongings strapped to their backs. My eyes widened as I saw the broken windows and graffitied storefronts.
I was seeing the world through eyes of prejudice.
I drove a little farther into the streets of office buildings in the heart of the city. I had to admit to myself that there was a certain majesty about these hubs of busyness rising stories above the sidewalks. I reached my destination, parked my car and (proud of myself that I had gotten there) started my walk down the block and across the street.
I felt a sense of community with the passersby and a power in the ordered chaos of the cars, traffic lights and pedestrians.
I had my interview and walked out on the the street an hour later with a much lighter load on my shoulders. I smiled at a little boy walking with his father, the woman walking briskly with her briefcase and the bearded old man on the bench. I wasn't so scared anymore. Lo and behold, my car was untouched and safe! I waved to the wrinkled little Indian man who watched over the parking lot and pulled onto the street with peace in my heart.
There is still a dormant strength and power -- a heart -- beating beneath the cement of Detroit. A hope of better things to come and a potential that might just make history. You can keep NYC, because I'm a Michigan girl.