Recently, I went on a study away trip with the College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University. This opportunity gave me and some other students the opportunity to explore the city of Chicago and talk to Spartan alumni to see their work. While on this trip, I fell in love with the city of Chicago and here are reasons why.
The People
There are thousands of people in the city, and they are all so friendly. They smile as you walk by and they are more than happy to help you find your way if you are lost. What I noticed most though, was that so many of them are working to make a difference in the world. For example, an organization that we visited on this trip called "After School Matters" gives high school students in the city the opportunity to work after school and over the summer to develop their artistic talents so that they can go to college and pursue a career. The people that gave us the tour showed such passion for helping these kids and showed how much good can be done.
The Buildings and Streets
For a city the size of Chicago, the buildings and streets are impeccably clean. As you walk down the streets, the buildings are shiny giants that tower over you and sparkle in the sun. Along with the beautiful buildings, the sidewalks and streets are lined with green. There are so many gorgeous garden beds with trees, flowers, and even small rock fountains.
Public Transit
In the city, there are so many ways to make your way around. It makes it possible to live in the city and not have to own a car. You can go anywhere with rentable bikes, taxi cabs, subways, sky rails, trains, and water taxies.
The Art
All over Chicago, you can find art. On the buildings, streets, sidewalks, and more. Chicago is also home to the Field Art Museum which has tons of exhibits to walk through and awe over. But below the surface of the museum, there are hundreds of thousands more artifacts and pieces being used in scientific research to change the world. Columbia University is also located in Chicago, a prestigious art school full of passionate art students who love to celebrate their work with the city in several festivals and galleries.
The Attractions
Chicago has something for everyone, and there is so much to do. There is The Field Museum where they are so many exhibits and attractions to teach about the history of the world. They have one of the largest fossil collections in the world. There is also the Shedd Aquarium where they have hundreds of different species of fish and even beluga whales. Another attraction is the Sky Deck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. This view is the best view of the city possible, even offering an enclosed glass overhang that you can stand in over the streets far below
