The first half of the fellowship was simply ALOT.

Alot of work, alot of networking, alot of sticky notes, but most importantly ALOT of growth.

Through Challenge Detroit and working with my host company I’ve grown personally, professionally and civically. Below are my top 4 highlights from the first half of the Challenge:

 

 

  • Doing impactful and engaging work with my host company Strategic Community Partners. 

 

In the short time I’ve spent with my host company, I have gained a wider and more intricate perspective on Detroit and what it means to be a Detroiter. As one of the tenets of SCP is community  I’ve been able to engage with my new community – the Fitzgerald neighborhood – and gain a better understanding of what it means to be a part of a community vs. working in a community. 

 

 

  • Being a team lead with the first project.

 

Being a natural introvert, I was nervous about becoming a team lead for our first Challenge project. However, I was supported through the process and came into my natural leadership style. Now, 3 months later, I feel very comfortable delegating, managing projects, and steering when needed. 

 

  • Attending great cultural and events.

 

One of the biggest impacts so far was learning about the culture of Detroit. As a born Detroiter I thought I knew everything about Detroit. However I quickly learned that Detroit is much more  than I originally believed. I tried new restaurants, went to my first Pistons game at Little Caesars Arena, and explored neighborhoods that I was previously unfamiliar with. 

 

  • Re-engaging with Detroit through partnering with DPSCD and CRIO

 

Growing up in Detroit, I had my own preconceptions and historical relationship with DPSCD and the City of Detroit. Yet through partnership, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the work that they do for the community and how I can further access the resources they provide.