On November 3rd, 2016, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series for the first time in 108 years. The entire city of Chicago erupted in joy; Wrigleyville was packed with fans from all over the city, the Red Line train was bypassing a few stops near Wrigley Field, and even a few streets were closed down. It was a joyous moment; fans were hugging each other, Cubs flags were being waved in the air, and even college campuses across Illinois were part of the celebration.
This win means so much for the people of Chicago. For starters, this win helps the Cubs Charities organization. Cubs Charities is exactly what it sounds like, Cubs players and office workers alike help the city of Chicago. From making baseball fields to teaching inner city kids how to play baseball. One of the things that Cubs Charities does that has affected me personally is their scholarship program.
Cubs Scholars is a scholarship program through Cubs Charities that awards five high school students every year with a $20,000 scholarship towards their college tuition. Along with the money, these Scholars receive some really great Cubs gear, such as a personalized jersey with their last name on it. They even receive assistance in applying to college, applying for additional financial aid, and learning how to prepare for college and the real world. It has even helped me make some lifelong friends along the way. I am even more immensely proud, and honored to be a Cubs Scholar.
Another huge reason why the Cubs winning the World Series means so much for the city of Chicago is that there are so many Cubs fans that aren't alive to have witness this miraculous win. Like I said before, the Cubs haven't won a World Series in 108 years, that's 108 years worth of fans that have come and gone. The Cubs did a beautiful thing by allowing fans to write names on a brick wall of Wrigley Field. Those names are the names of fans that have passed away. This just further proves the history of the Cubs, and the love we as fans share amongst each other.
Personally, the Cubs winning the World Series means so much for me. During my Junior year of high school, my dad passed away from cancer. My dad was a huge Cubs fan; we used to go to Cubs games when I was younger, ride the Addison bus just to pass by Wrigley Field, and watch almost every single game on TV together. I wish he was still alive to witness the magic, and be part of the history. I know, deep down, he's somewhere celebrating alongside with other fans, and previous Cubs players that aren't with us today. So thank you Cubbies for making my dad, and everyone else proud.
So congratulations Cubs! On behalf of the Cubs Scholars, on behalf of my family, and on behalf of the city of Chicago, thank you for the beautiful win. Hopefully it won't take another 108 years to win another World Series.
