While he initially accepted the offer, his attention has wandered to Washington, D.C., and a potential move there this fall. He talks of it as a city on the rise, and suddenly he's another gifted mind fleeing Michigan. He won't be the last.

In April, the Detroit Free Press polled expected graduates from Michigan's universities and found a staggering 50 percent planned on leaving the state after graduation - half of them motivated by a job offer.

There's no doubt Michigan's economy is struggling as it transitions to life beyond the auto industry. I understand the appeal of traveling while young, but I want to offer a little bit of homebound hope and an invitation for graduates to stay.

As bleak as Michigan's job market seems, it's not barren.

While degrees in education and business force many graduates to look elsewhere, opportunities can still be found within the quiet boom of computer and information technology jobs in Lansing and Ann Arbor. Also, the health care industry remains strong across the state.

Even if those fields bore you, Michigan could use the small business you've always wanted to start or the great idea you've had.

Yes, it's a risk to establish a business, but the freedom that allows many graduates to travel could apply to the challenge of creating change at home. It has already been said that our generation will change careers more often than any before - your first could be your own.

At worst you move on, but at best you've helped Michigan move forward and possibly achieved a personal dream.

I'm not going to stop my friend from going to Washington, D.C. I understand the appeal of cultural centers and economic hubs.

I also think we need him more here. Detroit may never be New York City or Chicago, but that doesn't mean we should abandon it. Detroit has a colorful history filled with industrial innovation, political movements and world-renowned music and art.

Many of the city's historic hotspots are again on the rise. The Cass Corridor is gaining vibrancy thanks to Wayne State University, and there is noticeable change occurring in Mexican Town, Corktown and the festive Eastern Market district. Across Detroit, people are revitalizing neighborhoods and promoting business from the ground up, spreading enthusiasm with every success.

Cities don't become great as a result of some innate right. Rather, it is through the effort of their residents.

It's a truth that applies beyond cities. Michigan is, and can be, whatever we make it. That's why all of us are important.

I'm afraid Michigan's current leaders won't be able to solve the state's ills without our help. Many have grown stale, trapped with the same preconceptions of how Michigan and its cities should be.

I've spent too long watching our government bicker and spit politics while our situation continues to decline. I've had enough.

If we all leave the state, who will be available to pick up the baton and lead Michigan out of this recession? We all have fresh ideas and new approaches, and could be real actors for positive change.

Personally, I'm smitten with the mitten. It will be hard for me to leave if necessary. We have an opportunity to reshape Michigan. Let's make it easy to stay.

Chris Matus is an English and social relations senior and a State News columnist. Reach him at matuschr@msu.edu.