This summer from the dates of June-August, 100K Ideas took in two college students to be a part of their Fellowship program. Our names are Isabel and Evelyn. Isabel attends Western Michigan University and is majoring in Industrial Design and Evelyn attends Central Michigan University with a major in Accounting. The two of us have had a great 8 weeks growing our involvement within the community of Flint as well as collaborating and working with a small business owner to help expand his line of products. This opportunity opened our eyes on how supporting small and local businesses is key to a better environment, as well as gave us a glimpse into clientele work and the workforce life.
Flint Freedom School Collaborative:
For four weeks every Tuesday we have been extremely lucky to be able to work with different sets of third through fifth grade students on STEM kits. During the session we start with an introduction, do a set of ice breaker questions, and then complete two different sets of STEM kits. This activity always puts a smile on our faces and adds excitement to our day. The students were able to problem solve, use teamwork, and have fun by making these kits. Headphones, speakers, a mini roller coaster, colorful chemistry, even a robotic snake are just some of the things we helped the students create. Interacting with them was amazing and something we looked forward to every week. These students always left us in awe, teaching us new things and making us laugh.
Working in Flint:
Isabel: I was born and raised in the Ann Arbor area, and coming to work in Flint was one of the most eye opening experiences I have had in my career. From an outside perspective Ann Arbor and Flint can seem pretty similar. Both being University of Michigan campus’, supporting many local businesses, and being surrounded in art. But after digging deeper and learning about multiple businesses and grant corporations here in Flint, right off the bat I knew that this is such a special, loving community that means nothing but good. People who are born and raised in Flint as well as those who decide to settle down in the area are here for the ecosystem, for the opportunities, and for the tight knit community where everybody supports everyone. The community is here to spread love and help Flint become a loving, welcoming space for everybody. Self pride is put aside and open ears are ready to hear.
Evelyn: Being from a town right outside of Flint, I was of course aware of the city but not to the extent that we have now. During the fellowship, we have been fortunate enough to explore many different types of places in Flint. From restaurant to thrift store to makerspace we have an abundance of businesses in Flint that we fell in love with. I am grateful that my eyes were opened to new places so close to me that I can utilize.
Client Work:
As a part of the Fellowship Program we were also asked to create and produce a piece of merchandise to extend 1:Eleven Leather’s product line. 1:Eleven Leather is a handmade leather bag business created by Miracle McGlown, a Flint resident with a story just as amazing as his bags. His products are sold at Shops On Saginaw in the Dryden building along with on his website. We spent a couple weeks researching and analyzing different product ideas before we were able to pitch to Miracle. After gathering enough research we were able to pitch 6 different ideas to Miracle. This is where he picked his favorite product and where we were able to ask questions and learned more about his own entrepreneurial process. This product is special to us because it is something tangible that shows our work as fellows. Market research, team collaboration, entrepreneurial experience and so much more gained from this opportunity are valuable skills we will take forward into our professional careers. Even with our different schools, majors, interests, and hometowns, we were able to collaborate to make a successful team with an even greater outcome. Throughout the 8 weeks, the two of us gained so much insight from each other, and our different areas of specialty is what brought our final product to be as proficient as it was.
As we wrapped up these past 8 weeks, we leave with an unimaginable amount of knowledge and pride for the city of Flint. From community building to product pitches, 100K Ideas has given us a handful of experiences and connections that will help us succeed in the near future. We are more than grateful for this opportunity and wish the best of luck to next year’s Fellows!
