Tell us about living in Detroit. What neighborhood do you live in and what things make it unique and exciting.

I currently live in Lafayette Park with my roommate Mikayla, who is also a Year Four Challenge Detroit Fellow. She and I enjoy living in the Pavilion, which is just a short walk to Greektown and the rest of downtown Detroit. Mikayla and I oftentimes walk to the YMCA, to the People Mover, and local bars and restaurants. Many of the other fellows live in and around Lafayette Park, so it has definitely been a treat to be so close with the other fellows. What’s interesting about my neighborhood is that my apartment, which was completed in 1959, was the first of many residences designed by distinguished architect Mies van der Rohe with his classic use of Mid-Century Modern Architecture. And in 2015, Lafayette Park was recognized as a National Historic Landmark District. It’s surreal to feel like I live in a place that represents a part of Detroit’s beautiful, albeit turbulent, history.

I think it is important to note, however, that the history of Lafayette Park wasn’t always so peachy. Lafayette Park was formerly occupied by the Black Bottom neighborhood, a largely African American community. However, due to the Housing Act of 1949, the Black Bottom community was uprooted and thousands of its residents were displaced by one of the first large-scale clearance urban renewal housing projects. I think the former Black Bottom community plays a significant role in the fabric of Detroit’s history, as it represents the thousands of individuals that were forced to withstand the often unjust and marginalizing effects of former Detroit legislations.

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?

Challenge Detroit has given me the opportunity to practice empathy and the ability to see things with a three-dimensional perspective. I think I can attribute stronger relationships, lucid conversation, and more robust strategic thinking to Challenge Detroit’s use of design thinking. In addition, I think I have also learned a lot more about Detroit, its history, the wonderful organizations and businesses that sustain Detroit, and my own beginnings here. It has a been a great learning experience and a great year, and I know that I will forever cherish fond memories of my year as a Challenge Detroit fellow.

Tell us about your host company and your role in the organization.

I currently work for Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit in digital marketing. Goodwill Industries’ mission is to “put people with employment challenges to work,” and I have seen how my company has embodied that mission firsthand. Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit has helped thousands of metro Detroiters since its inception in April 1921. We have programs and organizations that aid returning citizens, those with developmental disabilities, individuals who suffer with mental illness, and veterans. It has been invaluable to experience the gratitude of these individuals and their dedication to bettering themselves and their communities.

In my time here at Goodwill, I have managed search engine optimization, designed advertisements and other marketing material for our donated goods stores and programs, and maintained our Goodwill Board website. Through this work, I have fortified my knowledge and skills in graphic design and digital marketing.

What kind of impact do you hope to have with your host company and within the city?

I hope to bring a sense of community, support, creativity, and positivity within my position at Goodwill Industries and as a resident of Detroit. In addition, I ultimately want to convey the love I have for this city to my friends and family. All too often, I feel like I have to explain my reasoning for living in Detroit for a year. I hope that we are able to reach a point in the future where outsiders don’t question a move such as mine as they recognize the beauty, the value, and the resiliency of Detroit and its residents.

What is next for your following Challenge Detroit and what do you hope to carry with you from your experience this year on your next adventure?

Next fall, I am happy to say that I will be starting school at East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, where I will be completing my DMD degree as a member of the class of 2020. I am so incredibly grateful for the experience that Challenge Detroit has given me and the tangible skills I have learned and utilized along the way. I am certain that my time as a fellow will strengthen my ability to connect with patients, employees, and colleagues in my career as a dentist. My experience as a Challenge Detroit fellow will also give me the courage to be a leader in my community and to uphold the needs and wants of my neighbors.

To see even more of Paulina’s experience in Detroit check out her spotlight video!