Detroit Michigan was an unlikely destination for a girl like me. For someone who a year and a half ago, had never been to Detroit or the state of Michigan, I’m sure none of my friends or family thought I would end up in Detroit. Yet I moved here just a mere three months after graduating from college because of a little known fellowship opportunity called Challenge Detroit; an opportunity that has had a profound impact on my life.

I’ve learned so much in this past year; more than I could ever remember to write here. Some are more concrete such as design thinking or project management. Others are a little more intangible: the importance of being passionate and affecting those around you in a positive way. Those last two lessons are crucial, especially in Detroit. From developing a dozen of new relationships and working on our challenge projects within the community, I’ve learned about Detroit’s significant mark on American history. Now that sounds crazy, but before actually moving and living here, I knew very little about Detroit. I knew Detroit was the birthplace of Motown and the Motor City, but through living in Detroit and meeting new people, I’ve been able to explore its diverse culture and history firsthand.

People in Detroit are some of the most passionate, energetic, innovative and compassionate people that I’ve ever met, and their love affair with the city is never ending. From several of my fellow Challenge Detroit colleagues, to my colleagues at Focus: HOPE, I’ve grown just by surrounding myself with amazing people. I know just how important it is to live out your life with fervor and determination. To be fearless, gritty and most of all resilient. Detroit and it’s people are all of those things. I’ll always remember my year with Challenge Detroit and how it’s introduction to one of America’s greatest cities shaped my life. Just like I used to say growing up in the military: home is where the Army Sends You. For me now, home is Detroit.