A year ago to this date, a young woman took her largest leap of faith in life. She packed up most of her personal belongings to head to uncharted territory she spent half a year researching. She only knew one person that she felt would be helpful in this major transition in life. A year later she’s experienced amazing ups and realistically a few downs. No worries, those downs helped shape the resilient person she has developed to be a summer later. This blog post will be a conversation between myself a year ago with myself today. You’re welcome to take an opportunity to read about my experience through this dialogue below:
Mel a Year Ago: What was your biggest fear moving to Detroit?
Mel Today: What a way to start this conversation, I’d have to say is experiencing a year away from close friends and loved ones. I feared that I would be disconnected and they wouldn’t take the opportunity to understand what I’m doing here in Detroit. My family and friends, although not always understanding my decision to move to Detroit, remained my biggest supporters and champions during my team here. I have to admit the separation killed me but it was necessary for me to have this experience and distance for personal growth. They encouraged me, cried with me, prayed with me, amongst a variety of ways in supporting me and continued to keep me grounded during my experience in Detroit. I’d have to say their support kept me sane during rather tumultuous times during the year.
Mel a Year Ago: What three lessons do you think impact who you are today, professionally?
Mel Today: I’m limited to three? I’d have to say be assertive, learn to fail quickly, and never turn down a challenge. During the year I developed to be passive aggressive out of frustration but realized how detrimental that could be not, only in the office, but virtually in all areas of life. It frustrated me that I would not take the opportunity to be clear, concise, and assertive. Assertiveness is well respected in the workplace and is necessary in effectively communicating with a team. It’s a valuable asset to superiors as they can depend on you to know what you want and know exactly what you’re talking about.
Learning to fail quickly is also important in the professional setting. I tried my best to be perfect and sometimes felt like I walked on eggshells when I made mistakes. It’s important to learn to fail quickly because people really don’t have the time to console your ego and provide assurance for your well-being. That’s not what you show up to work to do. You get in a position where you take on challenges head on and realize there is the potential to fail. If you do, do so quickly, accept the lessons learned and move forward. That’s very valuable lesson I learned early and often recite to myself when I prepare to panic after mistakes are made.
Speaking of challenges, never turn them down, ever! The best way to stunt personal and professional growth is avoiding challenges. It’s understandable that you may analyze a situation and your practical ways you’ll fail but you can’t harp on failing. Life is about continuous growth and it only comes from facing your fears and overcoming challenges.
Mel a Year Ago: What places in Detroit would you recommend to visit?
Mel Today: Living downtown and experiencing the majority of my day I would have to make honest recommendations downtown. My office itself is an experience in itself. Think Google offices on a whole other level. There’s a reason Quicken Loans receives awards for “Best Places to Work!”. It’s really amazing what Dan Gilbert and his amazing team has done with some of the iconic buildings downtown. I also am a fan of Campus Martius. This park in the heart of downtown is an amazing example of what placemaking can do to help drive people to want to mingle on the streets of Detroit. I also really enjoy visiting the neighborhoods as they each have a variety of characteristics that make that different. I enjoy the people here and they often have great stories to share about their Detroit experience. I also enjoy the Riverwalk. This outdoor gem is really an experience in itself as there are several amenities found along the walk!
Mel a Year Ago: What’s the best part about being a fellow in Challenge Detroit?
Mel Today: I think having a sense of family and belonging with an extraordinary group. This group of hardworking young professionals really make an impact in the Detroit community with their various contributions. The fellowship allows us to engage with each other bring an incredible “Brainforce” to the Detroit market. Among the 31 fellows I must say we have connected a very strong professional network. Beyond the network we have developed friendships. Many of my new friendships rapidly developed by joining together with so many likeminded individuals and individuals that have different experiences in but are contributing to my personal development as I do the same for them. I enjoy my Challenge Detroit family and look forward to seeing the growth over the next year!