(Previously published October 1, 2013)

It was a little over a month ago that I was preparing for my first day of Challenge Detroit Boot Camp. It didn’t matter how many times I read the emails about boot camp or checked the Challenge Detroit website, I was still in a fog of what exactly I should expect this coming year. I knew I was one of 32 fellows who had been selected to live, work, play, give, and lead in the city of Detroit for a year, but what exactly did that all entail? And I knew I had been placed with Marketing Associates for my host company, but what exactly would I be doing day to day? I had also just signed an apartment lease in supposedly one of the most “dangerous” cities all by myself. What had I gotten myself into?

For the past two years I had attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. I lived with my close friends, I knew exactly where to go for groceries, food, and drinks, I conveniently worked part-time at the apartment building I lived in, my classes were never more than a 10 minute walk away, and I spent most of my free time with the same group of friends at the same apartments and bars each week. I was now moving to a new city knowing no one, having no sense of direction in this huge city, and knowing very little about my job responsibilities.

The fear of the unknown is truly a funny thing. New things and big changes have a tendency of making me cautious and fearful, but that fear also lights this fire somewhere deep inside that keeps me wanting to know what’s to come. It’s a constant battle of choosing to play it safe or jump without looking.

I chose to jump.

My first week with Challenge Detroit was an incredible experience. We were exposed to a wide array of leaders fearlessly and selflessly working to improve their city. Hearing perspectives on Detroit’s past, present and future helped create a solid framework that I will continue to build upon this year. On our second day of boot camp we took a “deep-dive” D:Hive bus tour. We traveled outside the downtown bubble and explored the surrounding neighborhoods. Seeing the extreme contrasts between neighborhoods just blocks a part was something that really resonated with me. It’s one thing to see it on the news, but driving down these residential streets with occupied homes sandwiched between abandoned houses and lots was definitely a reality check for what this city has experienced. The amazing thing was even in Brightmoor, one of the more troubled neighborhoods, the residents have taken it upon themselves to take back their community. As we explored the neighborhood we came across an abandoned home that Brightmoor residents converted into an art piece and community stage. Although it’s a small effort, it’s those little things that inspire and motivate me and assure me that this is exactly where I am supposed to be.

Within just this month I’ve seen more of those small efforts throughout Detroit and have felt welcomed by colleagues and strangers across the city. Volunteering at the Livernois Storefront for the Detroit Design Festival was my first taste of getting my hands dirty and giving back. The excitement that was buzzing around the neighborhood during the prep and actual festival was contagious. I’m excited to build on that excitement and continue to collaborate with the 31 other Challenge Detroit fellows and others passionate about Detroit.

After only a month I have already experienced so much that I would not have had the privilege of experiencing if I was doing anything else. In the past month I have moved into my very own apartment, explored Belle Isle, met incredibly motivated and passionate leaders in the city, been pulled over for the first time – he let me go with a warning, danced in the rain with the other fellows at PARKing Day, ate the best banana walnut pancakes at the Brooklyn Street Local, and collaborated with some of the most talented fellows who are just as passionate about Detroit as I am.

I’m enjoying the unknown, not knowing what’s next or what this year in Detroit will bring.

So stay tuned

–Meagen