Reflective Essay
Honors 1000 taught me many a lesson about sociology and politics. I have come to learn that the social issues that were significant in the past remain significant to this day. I have learned about issues such as societal undergrounds (The Third City), the Underclass, as well as projects (i.e. The Renaissance Center) that serve to resolve the city's problems. I have learned that Detroit in particular is not entirely a unique case in its decline as a city. I have learned that other American cities are experiencing the same issues Detroit has with their public health, job opportunities, urban deserts, and migration of industry from their cities. Passport events such as the trip to the Eastern Market, and even the trip to my Biology advisor, have taught me to be more outgoing as a learner. They have directed my career towards new avenues that may include places that I would never have thought to do community service. My goals have shifted somewhat, from wanting to avoid what the city has to offer, to wanting to contribute to Detroit's revival. The lectures, readings, and assignments have shown me what the city of Detroit is, where it's going, and what people are doing about it. Of course, they've also challenged me to ask myself three big questions: "Who am I? Where am I going? What am I going to do?" And they've provided suggested answers to each one of these questions.