As participants, orientation week was a whirlwind of excitement, inspiration, and information! We were presented with the opportunity to listen to so many amazing innovators in the city of Detroit and hear their knowledge and perspectives on the city.  Each day afforded all of us the ability to connect with the city on a personal and individual level, of which we are both excited to share.

Fellows Jackie Smith and Irene Crile stand in front of a mural created by the Fellows during orientation to express their ideas for the year.

I’m Irene Crile and, for me, orientation week was a great opportunity to learn about a city that I had only known from behind glass doors, yet somehow felt connected to my entire life.  Being from the suburbs, I had always wanted to experience Detroit the way that we finally got to during orientation week, by being completely immersed in it.  I loved having the opportunity to truly learn about everything going on in and around Detroit.  I was blown away by what every speaker offered us in terms of knowledge and experience, and could not have asked for a better line-up (I mean, in what other city does the Mayor come to speak to your group personally?!).  From speaking with media to establishing a brand, the amount and variety of materials covered made me feel prepared to take on any sort of challenge in the city.  Ideally, I wish everyone in the greater Detroit area (or even across the state) could attend orientation week for Challenge Detroit so they could feel the same sense of hope and inspiration I feel for the city.  Detroit has meant so little to so many for so long – it was great to hear from those who are truly trying to change that.

I’m Jackie Smith and I was especially excited that the first day of orientation was hosted at the offices of my new employer, Urban Science. Upon arrival, we were treated to a beautiful view of the city from their space in the Renaissance Center and Mayor Dave Bing gave our inaugural class a welcome speech, which set the tone for a jam-packed, exciting and engaging week. Prior to starting Challenge Detroit, I spent the past two years living abroad pursuing my Masters degree. While I was living outside of the area I sought out the good news coming from the city, so getting to visit places like Tech Town and the M@dison, and being in the same room as Josh Linkner and Mayor Bing was really exciting for me on a personal level. I was able to sit with real leaders who had real knowledge and real experiences to share. I was able to meet the people I had heard and read so much about, the doers in Detroit, who not only have a full time nine to five career, but have side projects they are involved with as well.  I definitely felt I was being equipped with the skills I would need to reach my full potential in the coming year. As Challenge Detroit is founded on four pillars – Live, Work, Play and Give in Detroit – I personally enjoyed the time that was set aside to Play and Give. On Thursday morning we volunteered to clean a section of the Detroit RiverFront that will soon be part of the RiverWalk. It was nice to get my hands dirty, even if I did get stabbed accidentally by a fishbone. Another highlight was attending the monthly Detroit Harmonie dinner where we were not only treated to excellent food, but were surrounded once again by dynamic Detroiters who are engaged in their community. I highly recommend all those who have not attended a Detroit Harmonie dinner to sign up and meet me there next time!

When Challenge Detroit orientation week came to a close, all of the participants had the opportunity to share our own personal highlights. Many of them were similar, but it was clear to us, that we were sitting in a room with 27 other people who wanted to be there just as much as we did.  Everyone came to this project with their own personal history, ambitions, and reasons why they were drawn to this type of project and, challenge. Throughout orientation we all shared experiences but we were also able to take away individual insights through the graciousness of the speakers, hosts, and presenters who not only taught us valuable skills, but also affirmed their commitment to the city of Detroit and us as Challenge Detroiters.

Contributed by Irene Crile and Jackie Smith, Fellows