Some people hate change. They like to know everything and stick to what they can control. I’ve realized that I’m very happy to not be one of them. I like change. I embrace it and great things have happened to me as a result of it. You need structure and support of course, but a structure and support system that is flexible.

After spending my whole life in Detroit and dedicating myself to it, I’m realizing that maybe it’s time for that to change. Maybe the time has come for a different experience that can help me with my understanding of cities, development, and opportunity.

Half of the fellows in Challenge are not from the city, but they took a chance when they decided to leave their families and start fresh in a completely new place. I’ve found myself thinking recently, “If they did it, why can’t I?” I love Detroit, despite the harsh realities I had to deal with growing up. I love it because it made me stronger, and I don’t fault it. If anything I would fault those of us who don’t do anything to change it. But I have, and I’m realizing that it’s not enough, and that I can’t single-handedly change the city either in my lifetime, especially if this city is all I know.

My first initial goal in life is to create a positive impact on this planet. I found that I could do that by focusing my efforts in Detroit. This city is reflective of a lot of issues happening all over the world, and I’ve learned a lot. But at this point I’m ready to learn more from different perspectives and experiences. I want to know how the rest of our world leading institutions, leaders and organizations deal with structural issues and how they create opportunity for the wellbeing of others.

This may mean that my focus for the rest of the year changes, but not my original goal in life. I’ve seen Detroit do amazing things for people who decided to change their lives to be here. I’m hoping that Detroit and all that I’ve lived here so far will be beneficial to me if I do decide to change my life too.

This kind of change is scary and could very well not happen, but I think the best things in life come from our scariest challenges and not being afraid to challenge yourself.