Introduction: Adam Harris

Photo by MTV: Amazing Break

To start, I must say that I am thrilled and excited to have an opportunity to participate in the 2008 Alternative Spring Break Detroit Program. Being an alumnus of the ASB 2007 Program in Lake Charles, Louisiana, it brings me great joy to realize the support of United Way of America and United Way for Southeastern Michigan, to believe in an opportunity to engage college students and young adults in service during spring break in metro Detroit.

My name is Adam Harris, and I am a senior in my last semester at The University of Michigan-Dearborn. I am 21 years old and I am a native of Southeastern Michigan. Reflecting upon last year's experience, I could have never imagined that students from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and representatives of United Way for Southeastern Michigan could bring such a great experience to metro Detroit. But as I began to see the determination of many individuals to envision a "New Detroit", and the motivation to bring change to a deprived region, I realize that I was no longer dreaming.

Being the intern for the United Way for Southeastern Michigan Alternative Spring Break Detroit Program, I have never been around so many great people, who believe in the true meaning of change, and understanding what it takes to make change. The truth is you have to give of yourself; mentally, physically, psychologically, while also making sacrifices. People such as Angela Walker, Brad Frost, Ursula Adams, Kira Putt, Doris Hendricks, Randy Dillard and many others have worked countless hours to make ASB Detroit a reality and no longer a dream. Regardless of how much bad publicity that happens to metro Detroit on a daily bases, I will always know in my heart that the citizens of Detroit are some of the hardest workers in the USA but all that's needed is a spark to the soul of each individual.

So that is how I view the ASB Detroit Program, as that spark that can fuel the fire that already exists. I am so excited for the participants who will be engaged in this experience because I realize that they will take away the understanding that "a little u can go a long way." We are at a time in history that change must first begin within, and then spread abroad. So to all the participants coming to ASB Detroit 2008, I will be very excited to meet all of you and I hope you will cherish this experience for years to come.

Myself & Randy Dillard