Chicago here I come...

My name is Heidi and I am one of Chicago Semester’s official bloggers of the semester. I am really thrilled to start in Chicago and give you all a peak of my experience throughout the semester!

First, allow me to tell you more about myself. I am a senior from Hope College and am majoring in psychology and religion. People often ask me, “Hmm, psychology and religion, that’s an interesting combination…what do you plan to do with that?” Well, I plan to go into clinical social work and continue on after graduation to receive my MSW. That means I will be applying for grad schools during Chicago Semester…eeeekkk.

I am actually from the Chicago area (Brookfield to be exact) but I still chose to apply to Chicago Semester because it is embarrassing how little I know the city. Get me downtown and I probably couldn’t even point what direction the lake is! I know that this may be the only time that I will have to be able to live and work downtown. It will be a true taste of adulthood and I can’t wait!

I have had so much fun this summer and have done a lot of traveling. I went Florida to visit my sister, L.A. with my family to see my brother, and ventured on other various road trips to visit friends. I also was able to do some volunteering; most recently I served at a one week camp for families who are affected by HIV/AIDS. It’s been a great summer but I truly am looking forward to getting back to the swing of things and can’t wait to see what Chicago Semester has in store.


I have some apprehensions about starting Chicago Semester. I’m curious whom I will live with and where my apartment will be. I am very eager to learn of my internship sites but am nervous about interviewing. Pretty much, I know that orientation week is going to be the craziest week of my life and I hope I can carry through it seamlessly.

I look forward to sharing my life with all of you these next several months as I embark on this adventure!