The Second City, The Windy City, The 312. Chi-Town: We’re on our way!

Less than one week until Chicago Semester Spring 2008 kicks off. Tonight I start the process of packing up my earthly possessions and moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago. I’m excited about the move, apprehensive about the future and ecstatic to start this new chapter in my life.

My name is Kyle. I’m a senior at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was born and raised in Plymouth, a suburb of Detroit just east of Ann Arbor. I am a Lions, Pistons, Red Wings and University of Michigan fan, and I can promise that this semester I will not root for any Chicago franchise sports teams, haha. (I’m still upset about the 1990-1991 basketball season. And Ben Wallace.) Except for the Cubbies, maybe. They’re so cute when they lose. :)

Aside from the Bulls and the Bears, I love Chicago. The buildings, the culture, the museums, the deep dish pizza (Pequod's), the beach, the pier… Chicago has so much to do. Since my brother Derek moved to Chicago two years ago, I have seen bits and pieces of what the city has to offer. I look forward to seeing the rest.

This weekend I’m moving with three other guys from Calvin into an apartment just south of the Chicago river. We have a great view of the city, we’re walking distance from the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park, and the L is just outside our lobby. It’s also six stories down from our living room window. Either way, we got a pretty good deal on the rent and we’re at the epicenter of it all inside the loop.

During the semester I will be working four days a week as an intern, and taking class on the day off. I’m a little nervous about my internship. I have a few interviews set up with but no clear choice at the moment.

As one of the official bloggers I’ll be updating regularly with stories and pictures from my experiences at work, class and around the city.

Can’t wait to meet everyone in the program!