Dear Chicago,
I love you. I've said it a million times before, and I will say it a million times again.
What a time it has been to be from Chicago. On Wednesday, November 2, 2016, the Chicago Cubs broke the curse and won the World Series after a long-awaited (that's an understatement) 108 years. "Someday" and "next year" are now phrases of the past.
Although the excitement of our World Series win still remains in my head, there are some things that I am a bit more excited about. I love my school, and all its opportunities it has given to me thus far, and what I know it will give to me in the future. I love being far away from home and immersing myself into new experiences while studying what I am passionate about.
While my love for my school continues to grow, I have learned that there is truly no place like home. My heart only continues to grow bigger and bigger for the Northwest suburb that I was beyond fortunate to grow up in. And if you can only imagine my love for my hometown, I'm sure you can imagine my love for Chicago.
"How lucky am I to miss something that makes saying goodbye so hard?" A phrase that I have heard one too many times but can still relate to. The more I say goodbye, the harder it gets. Although I know I'll be back, the goodbyes never get easier.
It is quite obvious that you are the city that has stolen my heart, along with the town I grew up in. Growing up 40 miles from the city and being able to hop on the Metra has been nothing but a blessing.
Being homesick seems to come in waves. Some days the waves seem to be bigger than others. Although there is nothing I can do about days like these, it helps to think about everything I get to go home to as Christmas time approaches quickly amongst the dreaded thought of finals week.
The people I have grown up with throughout my life prior to college have taught me more about myself than I could ever imagine. It is true, people from the Midwest are some of the most hard-working, diligent, and kind people you will ever encounter. I have met people from all over the country during my time at college, and I can say this with confidence.
The tradition is unlike no other. Whether it is the Blackhawks winning another Stanley Cup, the St. Patrick's day parade, the Taste of Chicago, or the Cubs winning the World Series, you are bound to have millions of people in attendance with millions of smiles throughout the city.
There are more than a few things that I constantly daydream of coming home to. The deep dish pizza, ice skating in Millennium Park, Portillo's, the warmth of my home when it's filled with my family and friends I've grown up with, and the unforgettable feeling of walking through the city being surrounded by Christmas lights with Frank Sinatra Christmas music playing.
For everyone, what you love and appreciate most differs. Yet, whatever you may look forward to and love the most when thinking about going home, the love for Chicago that everyone shares is what we all keep in common.
So, if you are a gratified and blissful, yet homesick college student like myself, just think about the city that you get to come home to for the Holidays. There is so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to.
Thus, thank you Chicago. Thank you for making me lucky to miss something that is so hard saying goodbye to. With confidence and the utmost excitement, I can say that I cannot wait to be reunited with you so soon.
