I grew up in a small town of about 10,000 people. So of course, people in small towns know a lot about each other. It always felt like too many people knew who I was or different facts about me that I didn't tell them. Don't get wrong, I didn't care that people knew things about me(I am an open person) but I would've liked being the one to tell them. Everyone has a voice and I want to use mine.

In the last few months, I have turned eighteen, moved to Chicago, and started attending classes at DePaul University. And if you were to ask me the greatest thing I have learned so far? No one cares. Literally, no one cares. I believe it was during the first day of school I realized how insignificant I truly was, and I loved it. I meet so many cool people on a daily basis. I love the friends I have made. I love how diverse Chicago is, it opens me up to new ideas every day.

I am no longer "Stephanie in Fort Madison," I am just myself living in Chicago. With that being said, my voice and audience per say is fairly larger. I don't live my life for the 10,000 people back in my hometown, I do it for myself.

I can do what I want. I can wear whatever I want to. I can say whatever I want to. I can write whatever I want to. I can choose who I talk to and hangout with. I don't have to be friends with someone, I have no obligations. I can go to the beach when I want to. I can go shopping downtown when I want to. I can go to the zoo if I want to. I can go see Chance the Rapper if I want to. My life is not like it was during high school.

This voice I have can be used however I'd like it to be used. What I write on here is not for my hometown. What I write on here is for me and whoever else that connects to it. My writing is more than my hometown. A lot of people read and share my writing and it isn't because it's about me, it's because they connect to it. I understand that I am not the only one that experiences hard times. I think people are afraid to talk about their problems/mistakes or personal life choices in general and I'm not afraid to. I am going to continue to do what I want and I hope you do too.

Here's a random list of what I want to say:

1. I'm ready for fall to come.

2. I love my roommates (Elizabeth, Emily, and Haley)

3. I love Monica.

4. I'm like 98% sure I bombed two quizzes today. Whoops!

5. Mom, I'm not actually shopping every day.

6. Gossip girl takes forever to get through.

7. I think that the iPhone 7 is pointless without a place to plug in headphones.

8. I miss my sister Karina, and her naked cat Blue. (Especially my sister)

9. Frank Ocean is beautiful.

10. Donald Trump is the worst.

11. My best friends from back home make me the happiest person ever.

12. Number one just reminded about the lack of bonfires I will have this fall.

13. I have really gotten into naps recently.

14. Whole foods is the heaven of grocery stores.

15. The Red Line is not that bad.