As of August 28, 2015, my journey as a year 3 fellow in Challenge Detroit will come to an end. This time a year ago, I could have never imagined that I would accomplish so much and discover so much about myself.

Live:

For the last year I have had to live in the city of Detroit. I am a native Detroiter so living in the city was not a problem. Although living in Detroit was not new, living in downtown Detroit was. I am very happy with my decision to move downtown because I was able to directly be apart of the changes that are happening in the city. I have witnessed first hand the beauty of the downtown landscape by riding my bike along the Riverwalk to work. I have also seen the increase in businesses and people downtown. Living downtown has giving me a different perspective that will allow me to help Detroit neighborhoods to become a part of new Detroit.

Work: 

Working for Penske and the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix has been absolutely AWESOME!!! I was able to gain a tremendous amount of experience as an attorney. I worked with Penske Senior General Counsel on a vast amount of agreements. They trusted me with clients and contracts in a way that most likely would not have been possible as a first year associate at a law firm. I was also able to make a big impact on the community by working to help the Grand Prix increase its presence in the neighborhoods. I will never forget my time with the Grand Prix and I hope that I can continue to work with them in some way in the future.

Play:

After being away from Detroit for seven years, it was great to have the opportunity to come back home. I thought that I knew everything there was to know about the city but I was sadly mistaken. This fellowship has allowed me to do things in the city that I have never had the opportunity to do. I went to sporting events, musicals, ballets, plays, red carpet events and much more. I was able to see the city in a way that was I was unable to see when I was younger. I discovered a new part of Detroit that I was unfamiliar with and hope to continue to know learn new things about the city in the future.

Give:

This fellowship allowed for us to work with non-profit organizations in the city and well as work with initiatives that we were passionate about. I was able to really dive into key problems in the city and use my skills and knowledge to really help with those problems. I really felt as if we made a difference and a lot of the initiatives that started with Challenge Detroit, I plan to continue with after the conclusion of the program.

Lead: 

Challenge Detroit gave us the opportunity to meet with and learn from key leaders in the community. We were able to speak with directly and gave a unique perspective of success from them. The leadership skills that we obtained in the last year will last a lifetime. It will better prepare us to be leaders in our careers, personal life and in the community.

This past year has really changed my life. Whether I remain in Detroit or not, what I received from Challenge Detroit will stick with me for the rest of my life. I am grateful for this unique opportunity and I am glad I took on the challenge.