As the 2014 come to a close I thought that it would be the perfect time to reflect on my first quarter in Challenge Detroit.

When this journey started in September, I had no clue what I was getting into. I saw the great opportunity that the program offered for me to advance professionally and I saw the great opportunity to give back to the city of Detroit but I never could have expected that I would learn so much about my future or myself in the small amount of time that I have been in the program.

September – I truly learned courage and faith in myself.

This was the first month of the program. We all participated in a boot camp team building activity that included a high ropes course, a giant’s ladder and a leap of faith. I always knew that I had a slight fear of heights but I did not realize how big of a fear it was until I was 50 feet off of the ground, walking on ropes. Then I was asked to jump, in a leap of faith, off of a ledge, 50 feet off the ground in an attempt to grab a bar in the air. I was terrified and shaking. Everything inside of me said stop but my fellow, fellows encouraged me every step of the way. I had not known most of them for no more than a few hours but their words of encouragement helped me to have the courage and the faith in myself to jump. I caught the bar and safely made it back on the ground. I did it despite my fear.

October – I truly learned to trust my training.

In May, I graduated from law school. I received 3 years of formal training in my profession and meet all of my requirements to receive my degree. After only a few months with my degree and while awaiting the results of my bar exam, I was trusted by my host company to take the lead on creating official rules and regulations for our kickoff marketing promotion. This was the first time that I was completely trusted with creating a binding legal document that would be used by the company. Although Penske General Counsel approved everything that I did, I was trusted with a great responsibility. I did it. I was able to draft the rules and regulations and receive the approval of General Counsel and all of my superiors. The promotion was implemented and successful. Due to the success of this assignment, I have been given more assignments involving contracts that allow me to utilize my legal training. I now trust my ability and am ready to take on anything that I am assigned.

November – I learned the value of hard work

All my life I was taught the value of education and hard work but I did not really understand the benefits until November. After I passed the bar, my boss gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. He gave me two tickets to the Hob Noble Gobble. I was able to go to one of the biggest events in the city and experience all that it had to offer. I was able to meet and speck to the cities most influential politicians, CEOs, Vice Presidents, and Executives. I was also able to directly see the benefits of hard work and where it can take you. Since that day, I have had extra motivation to continue working hard towards my goals because I was able to receive a glimpse of the life that I want to have in the future.

December – I learned that this is only the beginning.

In December, I felt a closer bond with my fellows during this month. After working on our second challenge together and going through the obstacles that challenges bring, we made it. My fellows and I learned valuable lessons that will be used for the rest of the program and our careers. I learned that we really are all in this together and the work that we are doing through Challenge Detroit will really last. I personally learned more about what I care about and that I want to do even more to help my community. What I’m doing now is only the beginning.

So far, Challenge Detroit has opened my eyes to the person that I am now and the person that I want to become. This has only been the first quarter. I cannot wait to see what is next and what else I have to learn. One quarter down, three more to go!!