I'll admit. Back in high school, the mere idea of going to a university in Detroit was beneath me. To me, back then, college was supposed to be spreading my wings and getting away from home. I got away. I got 3,000 miles away. Yet, the same school I vowed I would never attend is the same school where I'm currently enrolled and set to begin my second year there,(my 4th year in school overall).
Prior to me starting school at Wayne State University, I kept hearing the same thing over and over again.
"Why would you go to school in Detroit?"
"Detroit is so dangerous why would you go there?"
"If you want to study theatre go to Chicago."
So to all those doubters, I present to you the top five reasons why going to school in Detroit has been one of the greatest decisions I have made.
1. Being a Part of Detroit's Rebirth:
It's no secret that Detroit has been a lauging stock across the country. But every day the city grows. It grows with hope and huge plans for the future. With the launch of the QLine, Detroit shows it's trying to move in the right direction. Slowly, but surely, we're getting a transportation system. And with public transit, more people will move here. We Detroiters have a special sense of pride with our city. And no one stops the Motor-City
2. The DIA and Museum Central:
At Wayne State, we have the luxury of being walking distance from the DIA, Michigan Science Center, Detroit Historical Society, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. And not too far from the center of Wayne's campus is the Motown Museum. Meaning, any day after class, I can go see world class art, learn history, and explore science.
3. Sports:
HELLO! HOCKEYTOWN! (Sorry, not sorry Chicago)
From baseball to soccer. Hockey to basketball, and yes, even football. Detroit is filled with sporting events, and win or lose, they make for a great night out with friends.
4. Safety:
I'm sure you're sitting there shocked that safety made the list. Because after all, "Detroit's so dangerous," right? Detroit is a major city, of course there's going to be crime. But newsflash, Chicago is worse in crime than Detroit is. But Wayne State safety is actually ranked among the best in not only the state of Michigan, but across the country. The campus police even offers classes in self-defense. I have always felt safe walking campus and Midtown with the campus police, who patrol 24/7.
5. Fox Theatre, Fisher Theatre, Detroit Opera House, and many more:
As a theatre major, I saved the best for last. Detroit is a major touring city for Broadway. And the one thing that sold me to go to Wayne State, was when my future professor told me I would have the opportunity to shadow a Broadway show when it goes on tour to Detroit. Yes, Chicago and New York are where everyone wants to be for theatre. But Detroit IS a theatre city and do not let anyone tell you differently. There are numerous opportunities for us students with the theatres in the city or the surrounding area. I would be crazy to turn this down.
