Well here we are,

A wise man once told me, take advantage of any opportunity that lies in front of you, of you’ll go a lifetime wondering what if… Well this is a opportunity that I am truly grateful I did not pass on and even more grateful that I was selected to be apart of this journey. See, there has been a number of opportunities that I honestly wish I would have taken full advantage of when they were made available for me. From full ride athletic scholarships to universities across the country, musical opportunities, and even a opportunity to pursue a acting career (It’s true!). For a long time, on all of those possibilities, I always wonder what if? Well, I can say I’m content with the choices I have made. Making the decision not to follow those paths, there’s a good chance I  would not be typing a blog about being a year 5 Challenge Detroit fellow.

However my story is unique. Detroit is home for me, born and raised. Everything I have accomplish to this point in my life has happen right here. Although, honestly at times I was ready to turn my back on Detroit and call somewhere else home. From witnessing people strip homes of their value in my own neighborhood and even political figures being busted for various crimes, those things can start to take a toll on you. Turning on the news at night, reading local and national news publications and your city makes the front page, your hope, and even desire to remain committed starts to fade. However, through all the negative aspects that contributed to the city experiencing some of its darkest moments, I remained here. I became even more committed to helping turn this thing around. From educating the youth in the city, to even entering some of the roughest areas of the city boarding up vacant structures, I did it. As a Challenge Detroit fellow, this opportunity will help me take this thing to even higher levels of making a difference for a city that I love. Over the past couple of weeks I’ve had the opportunity of meeting some great individuals from different parts of Detroit, as well as around the country who are just as committed as I am in making that difference of turning this city around for everyone who calls Detroit home. With my fellow peers, we’ve had the opportunity of being apart of some great team building events and at the same time we are engaging with people who cares about Detroit just as much, if not more than I do. For the first time in a long time, I’m truly excited about being apart of a team that shares the same passion as I do. I’m expecting great things this year as a Challenge Detroit fellow and each and every opportunity that is made available for me, I definitely will take full advantage of (Yes, that even means a acting career too! ).

P.S.

To end this post, I must give a major shout out to a former co-worker and friend, without her convincing me to apply and actually stating back in November 2015 that I would be a fellow next year during a presentation for the year 4 cohort, I definitely would not be enjoying one of the more exciting times in my life.

Thanks FC!

J. Lewis II