Kodak's Corner

Chicago has my heart. Always has, always will. I was born and raised here so it’s literally all I know. I’m aware that there’s a world out there separate from Chicago, but no place will ever compare to the Windy City in my eyes.

Before entering my freshman year of college at Columbia College Chicago, I had never experienced living anywhere besides Chicago’s south side. In September 2020, I moved into the University Center and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Despite living in the city where my college is located, I felt that moving on campus would be an enjoyable experience. I’ve never been more right about anything.

For those who aren’t aware, the University Center, located in the South Loop, is a place where students from multiple colleges are housed. Columbia just so happens to be one of them.

Being in the South Loop was like a breath of fresh air. The University Center was my escape from reality for a while.

Coming from a low-income neighborhood plagued with violence and poverty, it felt great to be in an environment that was totally the opposite. Stores within walking distance, college campus resources, grocery stores carrying healthy food options, you name it and the South Loop had it.

I went from seeing abandoned buildings on nearly every block to seeing skyscrapers on almost every corner. It was an escape I didn’t even realize I needed until I finally got it.

Moving downtown, though short term, showed me that there was another way to live. I could walk to the places I needed to go, see beautiful scenery, and see life from another perspective. Being in the South Loop was like being in an utopian society where things went well (almost) all the time.

My advice to anyone: leave the place that’s your comfort zone. Even if you choose to stay in the same city like I did, see things that you wouldn’t typically see everyday by going to new locations.