Fun fact: I don’t really like repeating myself. Growing up (and occasionally, now… okay more than occasionally) my voice was really low. I’m a little person with a little voice so often times people couldn’t hear me so I would have to repeat myself. It was quite annoying. I’ve really tried to turn up the volume but I guess every now and them I can still be the little Minnie Mouse I was in middle school. The point is, I get annoyed when I have the same the same thing over and over and over (besides right now, I’m telling a story, sheesh).

So you would think that as many times as I’ve heard this question, I would be fed up. Plot twist: I’M NOT! I actually love answering this question. Not because I like to talk about myself (I mean, who doesn’t like to ramble about themselves from time to time?) but because the conversation usually shifts to the work I’ve been doing with Challenge Detroit and my non-profit, Motor City Scholars. The “Oh wow, really?” expression on people’s faces when I tell them all the organizations we’ve worked with so far is priceless and rewarding in itself.

Other than work, Detroit has been great to me. I get to see my family so much more, which isn’t as painful as I thought it would be (hehehe). One of my favorite things about being back is experiencing new things with loved ones. For example, I’ve started trying out new places to eat (trying to take my Detroit To Do List) and when I do, I always ask a family member or friend to come with me. Most times, it’s their first time too and it’s kind of nice being able to share that moment/experience with a loved one. Or maybe I’m just cheesy. Being able to share new Detroit moments with friends has definitely made me love my experience back in The City even more. It’s also made me become a constant shameless plug for events happening but I’m perfectly fine with that.

Overall, Detroit has been amazing. I’m eating great food, building better relationships, pursuing a career I’m passionate about, meeting amazing people, pushing myself to achieve goals, failing and learning from mistakes (let’s be honest, life is a roller coaster and nothing is easy) and essentially doing everything I came back here to do (with room for improvement, of course). I’ve loved my time in the city so far and look forward to what the future holds.