In one year I have been exposed to over 50 nonprofits, worked on urban agriculture, education, public health, and a variety of other projects, reached out to numerous professional mentors, and of course made 35 close friends. Being a Challenge Detroit fellow is a massive, very potent journey that is a once in a life-time […]
Setting Goals:
Before Challenge Detroit, I set goals, but it was more of an unintentional consequence of being in the middle of an academic race with the finish line as my fast approaching graduation date. It was easy to think “I’m going to pass that test” or “I’m going to finish that 120 page thesis… fingers […]
We are currently on the second Friday of our last challenge as a group and I recently interviewed the next class of fellows. I always feel odd about knowing something is coming to an end… and technically Challenge Detroit could really be considered the first step to a new beginning. I am always the person […]
In my last blog (scroll down) I shared 10 life-long self improving “tidbits” that I have learned as a 20 something, not only from myself but from experiencing this moment in my life with 35 other fellows. I felt like I didn’t do number 3 justice: “Learn something from everyone.” It is my personal belief […]
Being in post-graduate early 20’s is a very interesting state of mind. At the risk of sounding like an angsty teen, its like a post-pubescent puberty, but you are more aware of what is happening to you. You are awkward, but instead of a physical change, it is more of a life change. I find […]
One of the perks of being a Challenge Detroit fellow is getting to participate in Leadership Fridays- a full work day set aside for professional growth, workshops, and lectures from important people within the city of Detroit who are making things happen. Our most recent Leadership Friday focus was Public Safety, at which we heard […]
I love food! Like a lot. There’s not many foods that I don’t like or that I wouldn’t try. I even date a professional cook and devoted a large chunk of my thesis in architecture to tupperware and cooking utensils- go figure.But I have been taking food for granted. Challenge Detroit is a unique opportunity […]
I believe there are two types of volunteering, action based and interaction based. Both are equally important but interaction based, is a much more insightful and reflective experience. Action based volunteering is when you participate in manual labor or some task that supports an organization like filing, planting flowers, and sorting can goods. The only […]
When it comes to holidays, my family is deeply rooted in tradition. We do the same thing every year, like make an absurd amount of Christmas cookies- if you don’t feel sick by the end of the day you didn’t eat enough cookie dough and you didn’t go all out, pansie (my personal opinion). We […]
I really really really like making things. I have probably said this a million times to many people, but I rarely explain why. I’m not entirely sure, but I know it has to do with being in the moment of making. You would assume that its all about the final product because that is what […]