This week marks many firsts and six weeks since I moved to Detroit where I gained a new roommate, started a restricted diet, and onboarded to a new company. Despite all the transition, I find that each day brings new experiences and opportunities to grow. Below are six thoughts from my first few weeks in Detroit.

Hello, sunrise

I don’t know that I would ever classify myself as a morning person. However, catching this sunrise view in the morning takes my breath away and helps take the edge off having to get up early for work.

Mission focused

My host company is Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. Prior to joining Goodwill, I always assumed the organization was just thrift stores, but I have found that there is so much more than just the stores! The longer I am with Goodwill, the more respect I have for the organization in its mission of providing programs and services to the employment-challenged.

Food options

The food in Detroit is amazing! When I moved to the city, I also started a restricted diet for medical reasons. While my gluten/dairy/egg/soy/coconut/almond free diet certainly limits the options available to me at restaurants, I have been surprised by how many establishments have gluten free, vegetarian, or vegan options. What is my current favorite that I can’t wait to revisit and take family and friends? Definitely Brooklyn Street Local!

Student again

Before moving to Detroit and joining Challenge Detroit, I spent five years working in higher education facilitating international learning experiences. Since moving to Detroit, I have traded in the role of educator for student. I have needed to learn basic things like where to grocery shop and how to navigate the many freeways. But the longer I am here, I am recognizing the necessity of diving deeper. Delving beyond the favorite stops downtown and exciting events that take place, and rather researching the history of each group represented in Detroit since its inception, spending time in the neighborhoods, and building relationships with neighborhood families and local community leaders.

Eastern Market, my happy place

Given my restricted diet, I do a fair amount of food prep with fresh items. Eastern Market, one of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the United States, has been a lifesaver for me to get fresh produce. My favorite item I’ve discovered at Eastern Market would have to be duck eggs!

Complexity

The more I learn about Detroit’s history and current challenges, the more I realize how much I don’t know. It can be easy to form an opinion when you have no context, but the more context I take in, the more I realize how much I need to learn.

Bottom line: I am excited to be in Detroit. Here’s to many more firsts!