Hello world! Greetings from “The Mitten” and more specifically, “Motown.” This blog post marks my first as a Year Three Challenge Detroit Fellow. I’ll be blogging monthly all year about my time as a fellow to share my experiences and keep you aware of the amazing things that are taking place in Detroit (you’re welcome). The city has captivating history from its French roots to its most recent happenings. It’s vibrant here and entrepreneurship is booming. The city is essentially a blank canvas for ideas and technological advancements. It is the first major modern city to experience its unique present state and for this reason, I ask that you please keep an open mind when confronted with media stories about the city. Additionally, keep up with my blog to get a genuine angle as I live, work, play, lead, and give in Detroit for the next year. Alright? Alright.

I’m approaching the end of my first month in Detroit and it has been fantastic. Less than a month ago, I was hastily packing my belongings to move after spending the summer working in Rocky Mountain National Park. I high-tailed it from Colorado to Detroit within a two week span and I moved into a house that I had never seen with a few guys (who are in another fellowship program called Venture for America) that I had never met. I have no complaints whatsoever. I live in a historic and eccentric part of Detroit called Midtown – home to the world-renowned Detroit Institute of Arts, the Wayne State University Warriors, the Henry Ford Hospital, museums, galleries, and much more. There is a buzz around this neighborhood, and for good reason. Just within the month I have been here I have experienced several events within walking or biking distance from my house, such as Dlectricity, a nighttime festival of art and light featuring emerging artists; two Wayne State football games; and a swanky public space preview at a technology business park called TechTown.

As for Challenge Detroit, we’ve been busy! Day one of the program put us into instant action at a high ropes course complete with zipline, a giant ladder, and a leap of faith. We have had the pleasure of hearing from top CEO’s in the area as well as the deputy mayor of Detroit, visiting urban agriculture start ups, volunteering at the Detroit Design Festival, and visiting neighborhoods to hear citizens’ needs. Furthermore, we have worked out of General Motors’ headquarters (the Renaissance Center), been trained in design thinking from top notch companies, and began work on our first challenge at an urban agriculture start-up called Recovery Park.

Work has also been a great experience. My host company is called PM Environmental. They are an environmental and engineering consulting firm that offers services such as brownfield development, industrial hygiene, and due diligence. My job as a research consultant involves working with municipalities to assess fire, building, and water records for properties around the country and using Geographical Information Systems technology. This has allowed me to travel the Metro Detroit area, experiencing many new cities in just a few weeks. Everyone at PM Environmental has been extremely nice and I’m pumped to learn more as I go.

Besides the new job, the new people, and new city, I’ve been adjusting to “the North”! Northerners are funny because they seem simultaneously disdainful and proud of their harsh winters. I constantly get asked “Have you seen snow before?” and when I reply “Yes,” there is a quick response of “Well, not like here”. There is also the difference with accents and phrases, fast driving (80 mph in a 55 mph seems to be okay) and concrete roads, and little love for country music. With all that being said, I’m ecstatic to be here and I’m chomping at the bit to visit the Motown Museum, the Henry Ford Museum, a Red Wings game, The Grand Prix, the Detroit Auto Show, The Upper Peninsula, Canada, and some of the breweries around (Michigan ranks 4th in the nation in best breweries). Detroit is nitty-gritty and I love it. There is a different kind of hustle here and the city is on the rise. What a difference from my year long stint in Orlando at Walt Disney World and my time as a park ranger in Rocky Mountain National Park. A difference that is drastic but one I am enjoying.

Friends, family, come visit! Even if it’s just a small thought, “Reach out – I’ll be there” (Yes, a Four Tops reference) for any questions or advice!