As a child, January signified the launching out of the festive holiday season into the long, dark, never-ending Midwest winter. I held much disdain and hatred for the month and all that it meant for school, for activities, and for fun things on the horizon. As I grew older, however, and learned that Christmas would always come again the following November December, I grew to embrace the month. There was cleanliness, a fresh and invigorating feeling about January that was both comforting and exciting. Despite any sadness and confusion you might bring with you into the new year—of which there was much this year—January’s fresh tranquility allows for both reflection and forward motion.

This January in Detroit, I have partaken in both. 2015 marks my third calendar year in the city. When I moved here in 2012, there was a brimming sense of possibility in the city and my neighborhood. Now, in 2015, that possibility has been spilling over for quite some time. In my short time here I have seen places like Third Street Bar and La Feria open their doors. I’ve watched initiatives like DetroitSOUP and Slow Roll gain traction and attention. I’ve seen more and more apartment buildings reach maximum occupancy. And while I reflect on the growth I have seen in my short time here, I find myself thinking forward to the progress yet to be made. All of the neighborhoods that still need to be plowed this season.  All of the students still trying to navigate their post-high school plans. All of the work still needed to rectify what feels like growing tensions between the city and its suburbs.

I am thankful for this January and for the personal and professional reflection/forward motion it has provided.