One year down in Detroit. It is hard to sum up what I have done and seen over the last 12 months, so here are ten things Challenge Detroit taught me this year:

10: If there is pizza always say yes

This is pretty self-explanatory.

9: You always need someone to push you further than you think you can go

This world is a crazy place and it is easy to get scared of the next step, so we all need a person who pushes us to the next level.

8: If you like it, defend it; if you don’t like it, leave it alone

There were a lot of times when I would hear people bash Detroit for a cheap laugh and then turn around and enjoy a Tiger’s game at Comerica or a show at the Fox. All I ask it that if you like something about Detroit, show it some respect. If you don’t then leave it alone.

7: Dream big and never settle

You deserve the best the world has to offer, so dream about it and strive for nothing less.

6: Things will happen that you don’t want to happen

Detroit (and all cities, for that matter) can be dangerous, and things will happen that can alter the way you look at the world. We can’t ignore this fact, but we can learn from our experiences and hope for better the next time around.

5: Always remember there is more than one side to every issue

Issues are very complex in the city of Detroit, so it is important to remember all of the pieces that go into creating a problem and remember that those pieces need to be looked at when finding a solution.

4: Take a leap, don’t worry; you’ll land

What you are thinking about doing right now – just do it. You won’t regret it.

3: Explore and be ready to be amazed

Keep your heart and eyes open, and the world around you will amaze – sometimes in the most unexpected of ways.

2: Never turn down a ticket

You never know what might be coming your way. Jump at every opportunity handed to you.

1: People make the world go round

Surround yourself with good people. Challenge Detroit knows how important people are, and I can’t imagine this past year without my 31 fellow fellows – some of the greatest people I have ever met.

Thank you Challenge Detroit for one of the most challenging and exciting years of my life.