I never expected to fall in love with a place even remotely as much as my hometown. You love the place you grow up, no question. For me, Chicago has been the best place on the planet since I can remember. My high school friends were there until the end, my family were all close by, the city was always lively, and the lake was a block away. How could anything compare?

Considering all of this, the second I stepped foot in the 90-degree weather and 90% New Orleans humidity, I truly fell in love. I loved the people, the food, the endless Magazine Street boutiques, the weather, and even the potholes on the sidewalk making it impossible not to trip over yourself. Everything about this place was perfect regardless that it wasn’t my hometown, because after that first day in the beautiful New Orleans, it sure felt like home.

People often ask why I decided on Tulane University. Easy. It’s so drastically different from where I grew up. Every little thing about this city and campus is new. The people, weather, culture, food, everything.

I'm really excited to continue this adventure and make New Orleans my new home!