The End of an Era

Our last week of CS has come and gone. Good times with great friends… its hard to believe our time is over. I met, and got to know some amazing people, and I can’t say enough about my internship.

Our goodbye part was hosted at The Parthenon in Greektown. OPA!

At dinner we talked about our future plans after graduation and beyond. It was a difficult night for me – although I loved working at WV, there didn’t appear to be position for me after graduation. Where to next? Back to Detroit, or Grand Rapids… or Peace Corps for two years?

Then, during the middle of dinner, my phone rang. It was my boss…

“Hey Kyle… its Michael. What are you up to?”
“Umm… I’m at the Chicago Semester Banquet. What’s up”
“If I told you there was a position for the Summer would you want to work with us?”
“!!!!!!”

I could hardly talk. I’m sure he knew the answer.

SO for the next four months, I will be employed by World Vision, and continue with the work I started. After that, who knows? God is good, and has been good, and I’m excited to see what’s next.

…BUT I’m not settling straight into the 8:30-5 thing yet. First, a week off for graduation and to visit friends at Calvin, and do some camping. Then off to meet my little sister, whom I haven’t seen since January, in Europe! We’re planning on backpacking Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Best graduation gift – ever. Thank you Mom and Dad.

My advice?

DO…

Find a church home. Park, Willow Creek Chicago, LaSalle Street Church and River City (in Humboldt Park) are all wonderful places to get connected and refreshed. Your Chicago Semester profs have their favorites too, and they’ll be happy to give recommendations.

Go to concerts (Schubas, House of Blues), baseball games (Cubs… but only them), neighborhoods (Pilsen, Chinatown, Uptown), museums, events and shows. There’s always something to do in Chicago. Many times its free.

Attend the Chicago Semester Arts Events. Even if you think the play named “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” sounds lame, it's not. It was sweet. And the orchestra? Free wine reception afterwards. Bonus!

Volunteer. Like most major cities, Chicago has great income disparity. Just blocks from the Magnificent Mile is Cabrini Green, the most infamous housing project. The after school programs in the area love to have helpers. I worked with the Alliance for Community Peace at 509 W Elm. There are shelters and organizations (like WorldVision!) that would love your help.

Carry a book with you for CTA rides and the inevitable breakdowns.

Submit pictures for the end of the year slideshow!

DON’T…

Fall asleep on the Metra in the morning. You might wake up four stops past the one you were supposed to get picked up at (Wheaton), be late for work by an hour (Sorry), and get made fun of by your co-workers (Amy). Whups.

Get onto the El without double checking that it’s not express, or going to 54th and Cermack instead of Forrest Park. Whups, and whups again. Yes, there are two stops named Cicero (and Damen, and Ashland, and Western, and Chicago, and Grand…!) No, they’re not the same stop. Yes, you’ll be late for work… again.

Do laundry on Sunday night. You’re not going to get a dryer.

Steal Steve’s juice or Nate’s cheese singles.

So that’s it! Thanks to all the people who run this semester and keep things smooth. We had an amazing experience. Judi, cin, Annie, and Mr. Dave Frenchak, thanks for the conversations, encouragement, advice and wisdom.

Graduates, congratulations! CSers, Thanks for the memories! Friends, keep in touch!!

Barleycorn’s anyone?