In just over a week, I'll be leaving for Bowling Green, Ky., to begin training for my online editing internship at the Detroit Free Press. I'm seriously getting excited, because the fact that I will be working for one of the largest metropolitan communities in the country has, for a long time, been a big aspect of my career aspirations.
People have tried to scare me, albeit unintentionally. They've highlighted outlandish crime statistics. They've offered a negative experience, or at least an experience that's sufficiently unsettling, the kind that makes you say, "I think I'll lock my doors this evening," or, "Let's not go outside tonight. It's too risky." I've been asked on multiple occasions if I've purchased a gun.
I haven't. I'm not "packing heat." That dire verbology has been repeated to me so often it's scary.
Most recently, I've been reading a book called "The Gift of Fear." My dad, who works part-time at Borders, happened upon the book and suggested I read it. He said he didn't want to frighten me. He just wants me to be aware of my surroundings, and have some tips for fighting back in case something bad goes down.
Surprisingly, it's a fascinating read. If you're going to be a crime reporter, it's got the goods on what you shouldn't waste your time covering. If you're ill at ease in your surroundings, it's got tips on how to prevent someone from befriending you and then throwing bad stuff your way.
I don't think I'll have to use any of the techniques mentioned, but you can bet I'll have my eyes open. I'm prepared to walk the streets of Detroit with confidence, and with a mind for where I'm going.
Detroit appears to be incredibly diverse, and that's exciting. It's a dream internship come to life, and I know I'll be busy at work, and busy in my time off exploring the city and its surroundings. I have friends who live nearby, and professors who either grew up in the area or will be moving there this summer to, I hope, spend some time with.
I've started gathering all of my maps and informational guides into a pile. City streets are a prominent feature of many of them (I'll be living due north of 8 Mile, which also doubled as the title of a fairly recent movie starring rapper Eminem). Others boast local parks. I've got a guide to Michigan's freedom of information laws, which fascinate me but would likely bore others to tears. I've got the goods on the best places to eat, sleep, walk, drive, visit, gawk at, ad infinitum.
Now, it's just a matter of figuring out where to go first, and how to jam it all into roughly two months of work time.
Frankly, I'm anxious to get the lowdown on Motown.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Detroit is the best place I've ever lived. It gets a bad rap of course. Yes, it has problems. But it is never boring. Great music, great sports, great place to be a journalist. The auto industry brings people here from all over the world. When I moved here, I decided to go on a church searching mission. My mom had been trying for years to get me to attend something. That search, though it ended after 9/11, was an unbelievable experience. For one, you have to hit the Winans' church on Van Dyke for the most amazing gospel music you've ever heard. If you have an adventureous palate, you'll find pretty awesome Arabic, Greek, Indian, or soul food here. The Tigers are doing great and Comerica park is a beautiful stadium. Detroit's downtown is a bit deserted but go check out the buildings. The architecture, if you take the time to look, can be breathtaking. It's a musical city. You'll be amazed at the talent at some of the dingiest hole in the wall places. The best part about Detroit is the people. Because people in Detroit struggle, you never forget how great things can be, too. I know I'm biased about this city. But I think you'll like it. I did and do. Have a great night! Margarita
Post a Comment