Photo by Jessica Krcmarik

It’s astounding how much your life can change in a year. 365 days ago, I was a college senior in Southern California. It’s Monday, so I was probably sitting in my American Political Thought class, strategizing at what point during the day I could find the time to run home and move my street-parked car (Tuesday is street cleaning). I’m sure the sun was shining. May 16th- graduation day -was looming ever nearer, and I had yet to answer that dreaded question, “what are you doing after graduation?”

I had no idea. I knew I wanted to leave Los Angeles, challenge myself in a new city and maybe save a few bucks on rent. I knew I cared more about doing something meaningful than making money. Aside from that though, there wasn’t even a glimmer of what my life could be like a year down the road. I was about to start a new chapter of my life, but as far as I could tell the next page was blank.

Many of life’s most defining moments seem completely mundane at the time; they only gain significance after the fact.That was certainly the case on the day I first came across the Challenge Detroit posting on my favorite non-profit, do-good job posting board. It was one link out of hundreds I had followed in search of inking my next steps, but it ended up being the most important.

365 days later, and that blank page has been filled. Sure, there’s the plot and character development neatly flowing from one paragraph to the next. But there’s also the margins- filled with colorful additions I never could have dreamed of this time last year. The culture of an entirely new city and region, the kind of friends I never expected to find so quickly, a newfound confidence in my ability to drive in the snow. The experiences and opportunities I’ve had thanks to Challenge Detroit have gone far beyond what I ever could have anticipated, and has been so so very much more than a first job.

So, this blog post is for anyone who is thinking of applying and happened to stumble across this page (or, if you’re like I was this time last year, has combed through every single inch of the Challenge Detroit website). There are a thousand small reasons I could give you as to why you should consider this opportunity, but I don’t think either of us have the patience for that. I’ll just go for the simple appeal: take my word and do it. I know, this isn’t necessarily what you imagined, and your friends might not get it.When given the chance though, it’s astounding how much Detroit has to offer you, and Challenge Detroit will give you the tools you need to experience this city to the fullest.

I hope to see you in Detroit soon, and happy 6 months to my fellow fellows!