It’s hard to believe, but we’re well beyond the halfway mark for this yearlong fellowship program, and as we all begin to consider our next steps after Challenge Detroit, there are a group of prospective fellows hoping to be included in the ranks of Year 3 Challenge Detroit participants. Next month we’ll be meeting many of these candidates at the interview trip, where some will undoubtedly ask us about our experiences within the program, and wonder what words of wisdom we may have to pass along to them as they hope to embark on the same journey. To those who may ask such questions, I offer the following insights about being a Challenge Detroit Fellow.

Be prepared to meet people very different from yourself.

Whether you’re from Detroit or somewhere else, no matter your background or what school you went to, you’re sure to meet people in this program who differ from you in every way – from beliefs to interests, style and ways of thinking. Sometimes this will stimulate interesting conversations and broaden your perspective on things, and other times it will irritate you to no end and cause you to question why you even signed up for this crazy program. Still, hang in there – what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and it’s important to learn how others view the world, even if you don’t agree with them.

Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even if you’re standing alone.

The first point leads to this point, often times you won’t agree with the other fellows, which is okay. You should still speak your mind and share what you’re thinking, even if it makes others uncomfortable or they don’t understand. One thing I’ve learned about this program is that some of the most valuable lessons you’ll gain have nothing to do with the challenges or your host company, but instead relate to the other fellows and your interactions with them. You’ve been selected to participate for a reason, so don’t be scared to share your perspective, it may be just what someone else needed to hear to learn, grow, or just get a better understanding of someone unlike him/herself.

Try new things, and be open to new ideas.

Differences don’t always have to create conflict within Challenge Detroit; sometimes they add spice to the experience. So while you may not be a fan of all of the social activities that are proposed, or could have never imagined yourself hanging out with certain fellows if not for the program, challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone to hang out with people you wouldn’t normally converse with, and force yourself to go to events that may not seem to be up your alley, because you may be surprised at what you find. Often times we aren’t as different as we may believe, and you may discover a passion for an activity or a love for a place that you never would’ve stumbled across on your own.

Make time for yourself.

At some point, you will probably find yourself overwhelmed with all there is to do at your host company and for your challenge project, in addition to the social and service events coordinated by Challenge Detroit. I’ve found it helpful to stay very organized, and to break tasks down into manageable pieces to be completed each day. I’d also recommend setting aside personal time to read, hang out with friends and/or family outside of the program, or just to relax and do whatever calms you so that you can be most effective at everything you have to accomplish.

Take advantage of the opportunities, networks, and experiences that will be presented to you.

Although it’s not always easy, being a Challenge Detroit Fellow is very rewarding and exposes you to a wealth of resources that in many cases would not be available to you otherwise, so take advantage! Use your connections with other fellows to meet people at their host companies, introduce yourself to new people at challenge presentation days and the various events that the program hosts and participates in, and use your blog, tweets and Facebook page to promote what’s important to you, be it a business you’re starting or a cause you’re active in. You’ll only have this chance once, so enjoy and make the most of it!