Growing up in a small farm town in the middle of the mitten is exactly what you'd expect. Everyone knows everything about everyone and the word spreads fast. It is easy to get caught up in the small-town drama and feel like there is no escape outside of your town. Don’t get me wrong, growing up in a small town has its perks. It feels homey; the downtown is charming and the people are friendly (most of them, anyway), but it is not the life I want for myself forever.
The Windy City, The Second City, Chi-Town--my personal favorite city. I love every single one of the bigger cities that I have visited so far in my life; for instance, Detroit and Grand Rapids are absolutely amazing and I am very lucky to live in close quarters with those cities. But Chicago, my obsession and love for that city is undeniably special. I was only 14 years old the first time I went to visit Chicago. I distinctly remember riding into the city on the train and my eyes lighting up, I fell in love instantly.
From then on, I took a trip to Chicago once or twice a year to visit my older sister who lived there and had a great influence on my growing love for the city. I wanted to be just like her, independent, hard working and a city girl. I give all the credit to my sister for showing me every inch of the city that she could, showing me her favorite spots and taking me to work with her. I take every chance I get to visit the city and take it all in when I am there. Chicago is a place that gives me inspiration and determination. Confidence and assurance. I feel like myself and I can act or dress or do what I want without the feeling of judgment from the people around me. The people, the work ethic, the architecture, the fast-pace lifestyle, the lights, the art, and the liveliness that is Chicago. What’s not to love?
In November of 2015, I got a tattoo of the Chicago skyline on my forearm. And yes, I admit, it was an impulsive move on my part but it felt right in the moment and it still does and I love it. I force myself to do well in school and get the best grades that I can, to take every opportunity to get involved with my major and get my name out there. I will never let go of my dream of moving to Chicago when the time is right, working, succeeding and making a life for myself there. I am constantly inspired and focused on my dream every time I look down at my arm and I am confident that time in my life will be the best time in my life. I hope everyone finds the inspiration and assurance in their life like I feel when I am in Chi-Town. Everyone deserves their own Chicago.
