I’ve never been one to take big risks. I always think extensively about choices before deciding, and more often than not overthink them. Moving to Chicago was the biggest risk I’ve taken in my life, but it has turned out to be the best move I’ve ever made for my future.

From Nebraska to Chicago

I come from Nebraska, a place pictured by many as a series of never-ending rows of corn. While that is indeed most of Nebraska, it’s not quite the Nebraska I experienced growing up. I was raised in the suburbs just outside of downtown Omaha, the biggest city in the state. Let me be the first to say it was one of the best places to grow up, and I wouldn’t have changed that portion of my life a single bit.

Once I hit high school, I started getting the itch for something bigger. My travel experiences had taken me places like Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and even various parts of Europe. Witnessing this broadened scope opened my eyes to the large scale city life. I knew immediately I wanted to be a part it.

As I began looking at colleges, I placed a particular focus on schools located near big cities. When I visited Chicago the first time to tour multiple schools, I knew it was exactly where I needed to be. I have always been highly indecisive, but I knew for certain following that trip that Chicago was where I wanted to start the next chapter of my life.

How was I so sure about moving to Chicago?

Honestly, I don’t know what drove me here other than the feeling that I belonged in this city. It’s hard to explain, believe me I tried, especially to my friends and family who didn’t quite understand why I wanted to move so far away. You just have to trust your gut and accept the fact that not everyone is always going to get how you truly feel. Sometimes the best reason out there is your own intuition.

So I did it. I moved to Chicago. I left the house I have lived in since birth and set out for the city not knowing anyone, but knowing for certain I was taking the right step.

Highlights

Living in Chicago is everything I ever expected and more. This change of scenery and new perspective on life has been the biggest breath of fresh air I have ever experienced. Some of the most memorable first highlights from moving here include:

• There’s Always Something Going On

Back where I was from, I always had to seek out events and things to do, but in Chicago there is no need for that. Literally anywhere I walk there is something happening, from a jazz concert in Millenium Park to a dance-off in front of the Bean. I have found this constant hum of energy and activity incredibly motivating.

• Increased curiosity and inspiration

Being surrounded by so many different people from all walks of life has led me to an intense surge of curiosity. I begin to wonder what they do for a living, where they are headed, and even what music they might be listening to on their headphones. I have had a tremendous increase in overall inspiration just by being in a city with such a diverse population of individuals.

• Food and Cafes Galore

I’m quite certain I could eat at a different restaurant every day of the year and there would still be more options to try. I also happen to have a slight (maybe slightly more than slight) obsession with coffee, and trying out new coffee shops is one of my favorite things to do. I look forward to doing posts in the future about my favorite restaurants and cafes for you to try if you ever find yourself in Chicago.

Challenges

Any major change has its challenges, and this move was no different. I am happy to say, however, that the few challenges I have encountered are minuscule compared to the overwhelming highlights. Here are a few difficult aspects of my transition to the city:

• Figuring out public transportation

Luckily, most of the times I have had to figure out public transportation, such as the L or bus system, I have been with other people. However, I do remember how intimidating it was the first time I rode the L by myself. It wasn’t necessarily because I was scared or felt unsafe, but I didn’t know how I was going to end up where I needed to go. Transferring lines on the L threw me a loop the first time, and I almost got on the wrong train, but I ended up asking someone who looked friendly and they helped me out. Now a month in, I feel as if I now have a solid grasp on navigating the transportation system. It just took a bit of time to get there.

• Time management

I want to do a whole post on this topic because I have so much to say about it, especially in the context of college. Usually I am very good with time management, but trying to balance school with all the cool things to do in the city definitely took increased self-control in order to get things done.

• Being away from home

I obviously fully expected to miss my family and friends back at home, but it wasn’t something I could really prepare for. Luckily, being in such a vibrant city with so much going on, I’ve been largely distracted from feelings of homesickness, but they still surface now and then.

Overall, moving to Chicago was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was a risk, but I know for a fact it has paid off. I can’t wait to continue building my life here both as a student and young adult navigating the future.