A challenge is:

• The difference (or gap) between
• an existing situation (as one makes sense of it),and
• the specific desired outcome (of a process intended to change that existing situation).

A challenge is an artifical construct, not a natural occurence. As an artificial construct, a challenge can be implicit or explicit.

So, a hurricane is not a challenge; a hurricane is a phenomenon. However, surviving a hurricane is a challenge.

Similarly, a war is not a challenge; a war is a phenomenon. However, surviving a war is a challenge.

The importance of recognizing a challenge as a construct is realizing it takes a being to create a construct.

Hence, a challenge is a very malleable thing; recognizing this fact can be especially useful to someone learning to write in college.