I was fortunate enough to grow up in what I once thought to be the greatest city in the world. Chicago, one of the most populated cities in the United States is much more than Harpo Studios, the Sears Tower (It will never be the Willis, I am not sorry), and strange food preferences like abnormally large pizza, and hot dogs without ketchup.   

Yes, us Chicagoans are proud to say that Oprah made dreams come true in our city by announcing “YOU GET A CAR AND YOU GET A CAR,” and we’re even prouder to say that our deep dish is better than that frail stuff New Yorkers call “pizza.” However, there is so much more to this metropolis than these perceptions. Our architecture is breathtaking, our public transportation is among the best, and our many neighborhoods have the ability to keep one entertained for weeks on end. Not to mention, Chicago would be nothing without its people. The hard-hitting, grin and bear it types that make up this city create a spirit and culture that can’t be beat. 

It is clear that I love my hometown. I say this only because what I’m about to say next may sound extremely hypocritical. I do not have a desire to return to Chicago, not anytime soon at least.   I’ve never been much of a planner but for as long as I can remember I thought Chicago would be the place I would end up after graduation, the place I would “settle down” (that has got to be the most terrifying phrase for a kid in their young twenties to utter). However, while studying in Spain and exploring various parts of Europe I have come to three conclusions. One, life is too short not to say yes to everything. Two, the word “budget” has never been more real nor will it ever be this real again (when even gum is too pricey, you know you’ve got a problem). Three, having any kind of personality, let alone your own is challenge when you don’t speak the language everyone else does (how do I say “I swear I’m not boring I just don’t know how to be funny in another language”). And four, where you grew up will always be home, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it should be home forever. The more I travel the more I realize how little I’ve seen, how few people I actually know, and how exciting life can be when you’re constantly moving.      

I live for spontaneity. However, my experience abroad has shown me that even the most go with the flow type, fall into the trap of comfort. Whether I was aware of it or not my desire to return to Chicago had more to do with being comfortable in the city than anything. I know my way around, where to eat, and where not to eat. I probably haven’t seen all that Chicago has to offer but I sure have seen a great deal of it. Getting lost in a new area can be terrifying, but finding hidden gems like local bakeries and parks while trying to find your way is all a part of making that new place comfortable just like the old one. However, the most important thing is to keep moving once you get “too comfortable.” As soon as you know the best place for gelato and all the clothing stores in a particular neighborhood, move on and explore the next one.

I’m not saying I’ll never live in Chicago again, that’s too big of a commitment to make right now. But, I do know that I want to visit as many places in and outside of the Untied States as I can before I make that big “settling down” decision.   

Home will always be there, but the time I have to see what the rest of the world has to offer may not be.