MY Community
OUR COMMUNITY
The Waterfront in My City
Brief History:
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor has been central to the city’s identity for centuries. It was once one of the most important seaports in the U.S., fueling trade, shipbuilding, and immigration. In the late 20th century, it was redeveloped as a hub for tourism, culture, and public gathering, symbolizing the city’s resilience and reinvention.
Reflection
For me, the water represents both history and possibility. It reminds me of my own journey, crossing oceans from India to the U.S., carrying my roots while creating a new chapter. The harbor is a place of connection, but also a reminder that transformation requires both preservation and innovation.
Why Baltimore for fieldwork
I chose Baltimore because I see it as a city where elders carry both wisdom and vulnerability. Many older residents here struggle with daily challenges remembering medicines, accessing care, or simply finding spaces where they feel safe and connected. Through my fieldwork, I want to sit with them, listen, and understand what livability truly means in their lives.
This isn’t just research it’s personal. My hope is to explore solutions like medicine reminders and healthy aging supports that honor dignity and independence. Baltimore gives me the chance to learn directly from elders and their communities, and to imagine how placemaking can help them live not just longer, but healthier, more meaningful lives.
