As you are reading this, Challenge Detroit just finished up with our fifth challenge of the program. That means we are at our halfway point.  I cannot believe that six months have passed so quickly. The best part and focus of this program are our Fridays, our days to give back, working in collaboration with nonprofits in the Detroit community. I love it. Getting to experience parts of Detroit through our work is humbling.

Coming from Virginia, I almost always heard of the bad things about Detroit. Since moving here and working with these nonprofits, I have had the privilege of proving this theory wrong first hand. Sure Detroit has issues, but there are so many people here that are ready for that to change, and build Detroit back up to a global standard. Not too often can you say that you were part of revitalizing a city.

Through Challenge Detroit, I have been working with my other Fellows as well, which has been gratifying. We have been compiled into various team sizes, different team roles and responsibilities. All of us have something different to bring to the table. I have a degree in civil engineering while others have degrees in marketing, urban planning, law, communications, architecture, financing, etc. As diverse as a group we are, the best thing about us as Fellows is how we all share in the same mindset of giving back to Detroit and helping a city ready for change.

The experience of giving back with these nonprofits has been rewarding. Along the lines of what my mom has told me over the years, it is nice to receive, but always better to give.

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