I’ve developed quite the reputation among my friends as being a constant champion and fervent advocate for the city of Chicago. All I have to know is that someone is from out of town for me to spring into action, plying them with tours, culinary tastings, and endless speeches filled with facinating trivia and history about this crazy, amazing place.
It’s not always an easy battle. Fellow Northwestern students who hail from LA or the bay area think I’m insane, as I recount the beauty of winter’s first snowfall.
I just can’t help it, though!
While I understand that not everyone can share the same love, I wish they could have a day to see the city through my eyes. They would appreciate that here, it is not unusual to start up a conversation with the guy cleaning the street or the woman on the bus with you. Here, race is a major problem and intriguing social issue that pushes the boundaries of scholarly understanding. It leads one to question the very nature of cultural authenticity and personal responsibility.
I know I’m getting vague…but this is a giant iceberg floating amongst my thoughts and I’m just scraping off the very tip!
