Chicago is so much more than my home. It is a part of my identity.
Ever since I could remember, I was constantly in awe of my city. Yes, actual Chicago (the Northside of Chicago to be exact).
I was born and raised in the city by my parents, who immigrated to the United States from Romania. I have no idea why they chose to move to Chicago, but I am eternally grateful that they did. Despite their country roots, they too love the city’s fast-paced environment. For my parents, and even myself as a child, it was overwhelming to be surrounded by people of different backgrounds all engaging in different activities. Rather than feel lost in a new setting, my parents felt inspired to feed their curiosities and ask questions about the people and places surrounding them. Eventually, their behavior rubbed off onto me, and I too felt inspired to dig deeper and truly understand what it means to live in Chicago.
Yes, Chicago has great deep-dish pizza, and downtown Chicago is particularly aesthetically pleasing in the winter, but my city is so much more than that. My city is so much more than a pretty picture to post on social media. Chicago is full of diversity and history that shapes its residents. There is far more to a city than just its tourist attractions.
It was only after I went away to college outside of Chicago that I realized how much the city means to me. It was only after I ditched skyscrapers for cornfields that I realized how much the city has my heart.
Here are two ways I believe the city of Chicago has impacted my identity.
1. The city has taught me to love and accept those different from me
When I chose to study at a small, liberal-arts college, it was instinctual that I was respectful of those different from me. Living in Chicago all of my life exposed me to people who practice different religions, speak different languages, and eat different foods. I went to a Chicago Public School, which is easily the most diverse environment I have ever been in. My high school encouraged students to accept and learn more about one another through various ethnic clubs and an International Days/Nights event held every year. Aforementioned event placed importance on the culture, customs, and traditions of said ethnic clubs. While this was an event that personally shaped my understanding of diversity, Chicago is rich in culture regardless of where you reside in the city. The various ethnic neighborhoods (GreekTown, Pilsen, etc.) in Chicago are truly areas of cultural immersion. Individuals roaming Chicago are bound to come across foods, music, literature, and architecture influenced by culture. There is beauty in knowing that the vast majority of one’s surroundings have their own story.
2. The city has its flaws, but this only brings communities closer
Despite my decision to leave the city for school, I still feel the sense of community that comes with living in Chicago. When I read about Chicago’s violence, segregation, and our lack of funding for education, amongst various other issues, I know that the sadness I feel for my city is shared with members of my community back at home. Perhaps the greatest part about living in Chicago is knowing that regardless of the city’s faults, that my peers are equally if not more passionate about raising awareness for said issues. Chicago is a relatively large city, which would give most the impression that residents may not be as connected. While Chicago is typically recognized for its segregation, there are times when residents from all parts of the city come together. Whether it is for a Black Lives Matter protest, a sporting event, or for a weekly movie in the summer at Millennium Park, the people of Chicago stick together.
