Living in Chicago is a wonderful experience. Getting able to explore the city with my friends, as well as embracing the beauty of downtown is something I will not take for granted. Yet, ever since moving here, I haven't really been spending my time down here.

I go to school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and I spend most of my time up there. Occasionally I find my way back to Chicago, but I'm primarily in Madison. I've grown to love the town, especially the downtown area, and I'm slowly getting to know it like the back of my hand.

Something I cherish most in life is the relationship I have with my friends. I've met some of my closest friends in Madison and I will forever have good memories associated with them. I've also had irreplaceable experiences I don't think would've happened in a city as big as Chicago.

The concerts. Yes — I've gone to concerts and festivals in Chicago, but I've had way more intimate encounters in Madison. I had the chance to meet the members of the band Whitney, as well as meet Yung Gravy and his crew. In a city as big as Chicago, the hype is really there. It's the third biggest city in the states and to perform there is a big deal. Madison, however, is pretty low key and very intimate.

Being the capital of Wisconsin, Madison is still a hotspot for the music scene, but also is a good place to get out into nature and live life in the sun. Lake Mendota is beautiful in both the summer and winter, as it freezes over in the cold and glistens in the summer sun. The lakeshore path makes you feel like you're walking in a wonderland of trees and the bikers that pass you may sometimes encourage you to go ride your bike yourself.

State Street. It's definitely poppin'. Whether it's day or night, there's always something to do. Grab a bite to eat? Head over to state street. Want to grab a drink with your friends? State Street is the place for you. The college town would be totally different if it were not for State Street, and State Street wouldn't be the same without the college.

Last but not least, UW is a top-tier university, known prestigiously around the world, and it's simply a privilege to be a student there. I've found people who are like me, I take classes that are right for me, and the dining halls certainly give me a wide variety of food — shout out to Rheta's, for being my rock and existing right across the street from the School of Music.

Madison is my home away from home, but it will never replace Chicago.