At the beginning of our Challenge Detroit fellowship, each fellow was asked to fill out a goal/vision worksheet for the entire year. For the visioning exercise, we were instructed to complete the following task:

Please describe your vision for the 2013-2014 Challenge Detroit year. Describe what the year looks, feels, and even sounds like, for you and your peers (fellows) collectively working, living, playing, giving, and leading in greater Detroit. What is achieved if you and your peers are not afraid to fail? What does striving to make the biggest impact look and feel like and what are the outcomes you envision?

I chose to write my vision in the form of talking points from a fake news report. Below is my vision exercise, as I wrote it September 6th, 2013:

Hi, I’m Felicia Domino from the Detroit News and today I’m here with a group of very dynamic young individuals who have shaken the city of Detroit. For the past year these thinkers, doers and givers were immersed in a fellowship called Challenge Detroit. This revitalization initiative asked the 32 innovative individuals to work, live play, give and lead in the city of Detroit for a year. I’ve had a chance to interview a few of the fellows and I was truly astounded by what I learned. Not only did these individuals make a lasting impact on some of their non-profit partners, but also all of them have decided to stay in Detroit to keep the momentum going. Several of the fellows have started their own businesses and non-profits together. Here are a few quotes from the fellows I interviewed:

“The year was a truly authentic immersion. I thought I was getting into a 1-year fellowship where I’d do some good and then look for my next move. But my 1-year commitment has transformed into a lifetime dedication to the non-profit I’ve started here in Detroit. I’ve come to really love Detroit and the people here.”

“We burst the bubble! My biggest concern approaching the program was that we’d only be making an impact in the downtown/midtown area. I was concerned that our efforts would only be seen in the overly saturated story of Detroit’s downtown revitalization. But that wasn’t the case. We got a chance to meet the life-long residents of Detroit, the students and families that are struggling with the great majority of Detroit’s issues. Through a lot of our work we were able to create relevant and beneficial bridges between not only the downtown and neighborhoods of Detroit, but we made regional bridges as well.” 

“I had a BLAST. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a very business-minded person. It’s rare that I let my hair down and allow myself to have fun. And even more rare that I let my guard down and open myself up to building genuine relationships with people I meet while doing “work”. I’m a networking pro, but making new friends is always a struggle. But this year, amidst all the business, I somehow had the best year of my life. I made many great friends; many of them fellows but many are actual Detroiters. I actually have 2 new best friends not from the program whom I’m sure will be in my wedding (whenever that is). A lot of friendships were built during our “play” activities in the Detroit social scene. However, the friendships that were formed in the midst of service are some of the most genuine ones. Hearing the heartbreaking stories of some of the COTS residents opened my eyes to the city’s needs but also open my heart to the people of this city. There are some great people here and I’m glad that I can call many of them friends.”

“I’m not from here. But this is my home. Not only have I started a business here, but me and my spouse have decided to start our family here. I’m working to continue our Challenge Detroit work so that my children to enjoy the opportunities to work, live, play, give and lead in this amazing city!”

It wasn’t until today, as I was thinking of my year-in-review that I decided to read back through my vision for the year. In 12 months many of these visions have ACTUALLY COME TRUE! It’s actually a little scary how accurate my vision came to fruition! Although all of the fellows aren’t staying in Detroit, many are buying homes, starting businesses/non-profits and more! I’ve heard many a fellow testify that this year has opened their mind to new ideas about urban areas, race, professional development and what it means to be a young professional. For me quote #3 astonishingly came true. This was one of the most fun years of my post-college life! In addition to a ton of personal growth and professional development, this year afforded me opportunities to play in ways I never have before! And the best part is that I actually made 2 new BEST friends through the fellowship (Meiyi and Ruth)!! Both ladies will actually be at my wedding next year!!!! I actually became close with Ruth while we worked on the COTS challenge! And Meiyi and I were on a team together to provide solutions for Green Living Science. Our friendships grew and were strengthened in the midst of service! And COTS was my favorite Challenge as it provided me with an entirely new outlook on homelessness and situations that affect all Detroiters. It’s kind of crazy but Challenge Detroit actually made many of my personal, professional and relationship dreams come true! I’m a little sad that this year has come to a close, but really glad to start a new chapter in my life filled with amazing new insight and relationships!