The Banker tells me that I am a loan. I have borrowed money [on interest] in order to pursue and obtain my degree. I need to pay it back.

The Economist tells me that my net worth is less than zero. My college debt is greater than my yearly income; my credit card debt is greater than the money in my bank account. I am an investment, but my yields to not meet expectations. I am quite literally on income-based repayment and the government does not expect payment.

My conservative uncle tells me that my education is a joke, my ideology is flawed and I need to get a job that will make more money. I complain and white about fabricated injustices that are little more than distractions. The work is aim to do is irrelevant.

Challenge Detroit tells me that I am a changemaker. I have unlimited potential and my perspective matters. Challenge provides me with resources, a network and a platform to put my ideas into action to make an impact.

This time last year, I was scraping by. Trying to make enough money to pay for rent,  working three to four part-time jobs a day and taking every $5 research study I could just to afford a meal that day while I waited for my SNAP benefits to be reinstated; I battled depression and listlessness as a I lost touch with the reality of my capability to change the world.

I thank Challenge Detroit, Deirdre, Shelley, my DTE co-workers and the rest of my CD family for believing in me; for giving me the chance to find myself; for letting me grow during what has been the most influential year of my life.

Here’s to the rest of Year 3. *Cheers*