Life as a Chicago Center Student

So far I have really enjoyed my experience as a Chicago Center student. Here are a few things I have learned while being a student here!

1. The staff is there to help you, always! 
The staff is incredibly kind and is always there to help out when you need it! They helped out so much with our internship searches! We have weekly meetings with Zeph, who is our apartment manager. Scott is always there to entertain you with a story while on the way to a seminar class. Lane can sometimes be found walking around the neighborhood, there to make fun of you with the grocery carts they provide to us :)

2. Be respectful of your roommates.
This is something that should be very self explanatory, but sometimes it needs some extra emphasis! Make a dish and trash schedule early on so things do not get out of hand early, it will help, I promise! Do not be afraid to confront a roommate when they do not clean up their own mess or keep the dining room, kitchen, or living room clean. It is your living space too. Make a grocery list, you will save money! Remember to only buy food the whole house will be using, buy your own food on your own dime! It will earn yourself some respect and you will not be wasting money provded to all of us.

3. Enjoy the seminar class
I know that sometimes it can seem like a drag to go out and spend your whole day out for the seminar, but you will regret it if you do not enjoy it! Now being back at Alma I have realized how influential the seminars have been for me and the other students. You learn lessons and knowledge about other cultures you may never have the opportunity to learn again, take advantage of it and have fun! Where else can you meet former gang members, Indian immigrants, LBGT rights leaders, tour the south side in a van? Nowhere else, so enjoy it, please!

4. Keep up with readings and journals

As part of the program , you are required to keep an internship journal, orientation journal, write book responses, and write responses after seminars. It may seem like a lot, but remember to keep up with it. I enjoyed every single book I read for class and  I know my roommates did as well. You will thank yourself later for keeping an internship journal (DETAILED ONE!) daily when you go back and re-read it while updating your resume, talking to your school advisor, and telling your family members and friends about your experience and skills gained.

5. Take advantage of what Hyde Park has to offer
Hyde Park is home to University of Chicago, Science of Museum and Industry, a farmers market, a theater, a beachfront trail, delicious restaurants (Valois and Pizza Capri!), grocery stores, and some beautiful sights! Take the bike out that is in the basement along the lakefront trail and do some exploring. Go to the grocery store then cook a meal with your whole floor. Go take a walk around the beautiful university of Chicago, it is amazing especially coming from such a small school. Go to the Science and Industry Museum, it will blow your mind. ENJOY YOURSELF!