How has a year come and gone so quickly and how is Challenge Detroit over!? This time last year I was moving myself from New Jersey into an apartment on the 20th floor of the Millender Center downtown, and today I’m moving out and into a new place in the Boston Edison neighborhood. The opportunity to expand my palate in Detroit as it applies to our 5 pillars, Live, Work, Play, Give, and Lead has been absolutely wonderful and I look forward to continuing this initiative post Challenge Detroit.

My fellow fellows changed my life. I have learned valuable skills from their talents in the workplace through team challenges, gained a new perspective of Detroit through shared experiences, had the best time living and learning in a new city, and will continue to lean on this group of people for advice and a good time for many years to come.

Challenge Detroit opened many doors and introduced me to an unexpected career, a powerful nonprofit presence within the city, and a group of strong, passionate, proactive young professionals who share an urgency for change as much as I do. I am thankful I took a chance on applying to program, was accepted, and able to participate and accomplish a great amount in just a year. I’m excited for the next step and I wish the new class luck.