Going to school at Iowa State and being from a suburb of Chicago, has definitely opened my eyes to a different atmosphere. It's much more open and carefree as compared to the cluster hustle and bustle of living so close to a major city. The people seem to be nicer and the air is definitely cleaner.
Iowa is know for it's agricultural strength, especially when it comes to producing corn. Whereas, Illinois is known for one large city and saying "da" instead of "the."
Now I've definitely seen it first hand, but when people realize that I'm a country loving kind of girl that doesn't want to go back to the bustling city I always get the same reaction every time.
"Wow, I would've never thought you'd like country music." "But don't you like being somewhere so busy?" "Iowa really changed you didn't it." or "Are you sure you wouldn't survive better having chain restaurants and stores within a mile of where you live?"
Now I know the last one is a little exaggerated, but it's basically what's being said. People don't think that someone from a town near the city of Chicago could ever be interested in something I didn't grow up in. The Chicago stereotype of leaning left, coming from some sort of corruption whether it be politically or economically and having everything necessary to living within view.
I never grew up on a farm, but I'd much prefer being able to learn about taking care of the land or the animals that help feed millions than learn about how not to get hit when crossing the street during busy times of the day.
I'd rather live in a place where I can't see my neighbor rather than being able close enough to look out of my bedroom and into one of theirs.
I'd prefer the peace and quiet of living in a small town than the sounds of traffic and busy city life moving throughout the course of the day.
But I do love big sports teams and I love being so close to such historic buildings like the ones on Museum Campus, the Willis (always will be Sears) Tower, the Chicago Board of Trade and now Trump Towers, just to name a few.
I love that when my friends want to see the city, I'm one of their go-to people. I love that when I take them I can perfect my tour guide skills for maybe the fourth or fifth time that year. Because let's be honest, the only times I go to the city are for when I bring my out-of-stater friends and when I go to Blackhawks games.
Yes, I still love my Chicago suburb upbringing, but no that doesn't define who I am. I can make my way around the train station but I can also sing my way almost every country song that may come across my radio.
