Chicago

I can’t possibly sum up how much Chicago means to me, but let me paint you a picture. Almost every weekend since I was little, my family and I would drive the hour and fifteen to the city where we’d visit our favorite places or discover some new ones. It was our little escape from our quiet hometown.

I’ve always felt drawn to this place. I’ve always dreamed of living here in the future, of seeing these views every day. It’s so close to my heart, and there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about this magical place, and how lucky I am to be able to come back.

Even after a hundred times, the iconic red billboard welcoming me to the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, the endlessly beautiful architecture decorating the skyline, and the tasty bite of a juicy, dipped Italian beef never fail to impress me or overwhelm me with an abundance of joy.

I’ve noticed a lot of people from college moving here after graduation, and I don’t blame them. Is it just me, or does Chicago feel like it’s growing in popularity? Don’t get me wrong, people are still drawn to the Big Apple and sunny Los Angeles, but it feels like the Windy City is drawing a lot more interest. Maybe it's simply a matter of getting older and having friends who are navigating adult milestones like relocating, or maybe Chicago has always possessed this draw, and I've just lived in a bubble, loving it without fully recognizing its broader appeal until now.

Either way, I sure am proud to call this city my home now. I hope I can continue to live here in the future on my own; My best friend and I have already planned on moving here and living together after college.

Chicago truly is a place of endless possibilities, rich opportunities, and increasingly stunning views. More than anything, it will forever hold a huge piece of my heart.

Enjoy some photos of Chicago through my eyes these past several years!