LIVE
It is important to understand when you say you live in Detroit, that means something different depending on the neighborhood you choose to live in. Living in Osborn is unlike living downtown, is unlike living in Jefferson Chalmers, is unlike living in the Villages, is unlike living in Southwest, is unlike living in Midtown, is unlike living in University District, etc. Each of Detroit’s neighborhoods has its own unique character in charm. Before deciding where to live, take time to research different neighborhoods. Check out the food, the residents, the sounds, the culture, and pick a neighborhood that best suits you. Don’t be afraid to put down roots. Say hello to the people you encounter; ask how they are, and mean it.
GIVE
The Challenges you will work on are the heart and soul of Challenge Detroit; they are what makes it different from any other fellowship program or job. Don’t hesitate to jump outside of your comfort zone and tackle something new. You have the support of 29 colleagues, and you are encouraged to take risks. This year alone, I’ve hammered out a marketing and engagement strategy, enhanced my design skills, knocked out a few videos, thrown an event, compiled strategic business recommendations, the list really does just go on. Being entrepreneurial is a huge component of Challenge Detroit, and it does not just mean that you need to go out and start something new. It means you need to creatively solve problems, and apply your skills in new ways to benefit the city.
WORK
No matter if your host company is offering your dream career, or a 9-5 at a place you’ve never heard of, embrace it. Ask for more work. Schedule meetings with important people. Hang out with co workers on the weekend. Do not treat your placement as a one year assignment. Pretend it’s the first year of your career, and act with integrity, tact, and drive. Be dauntless in the face of the ambiguous and unknown. At work, you represent Challenge Detroit, never forget that.
PLAY
Take advantage of the fact that Challenge Detroit provides you with a few dozen familiar smiling faces to do fun things with. Foster friendships with the other fellows, and conquer the city’s social events together. You are being thrown into a diverse group of like-minded individuals that you can bounce ideas off of, go for a run with, eat a meal with, or even maybe start a business with.
LEAD
When it comes time to be team leads, rise to the occasion and volunteer. If you are selected as project manager, try your hardest to be a prudent leader. On Challenges when you do not have a leadership role, be a sincere team player and contribute with the same vehemence you would if you were in charge. It is also imperative to lead by example. Always arrive on time, if not early. Always speak of Challenge Detroit positively. Always be willing to try anything that’s asked of you. Always try to go the extra mile.
Oh, and also, HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!