Chicago: Getting Orientated

by Brett Jasper

Orientation during the first week was interesting. After some introductions from the Chicago Semester instructors and general info, we got a crash course on how to navigate the city and avoid danger, which is mostly common sense and trusting your instincts.

We played a few icebreaker games, which I generally don’t enjoy, but all in all, the program did a good job of helping us get to know each other. The activities I found to be the most helpful were when we were broken up into small groups and sent out into the city to have lunch or dinner together. Phil also taught us how to use the “conversation stack” (Google it) to help us avoid those awkward conversation lulls that tend to happen when people first meet.

A few days in we found out where we would each be interviewing for internships and were given times to meet individually with Chicago Semester instructors to help us clear up anything we needed clarified. We also had mock interviews with instructors to prepare us for the real ones in the coming days.

There was plenty of downtime and research time during this period where we were able to get to know each other even better. With only about 50 students in the program, you’re bound to meet everyone eventually. And commuting to and from the office gave me a feel for how long it takes to get to places in the city. The office is located in the Loop, which is basically the hub of downtown Chicago where all the trains meet and “loop” around a few blocks.

Chicago: The Awkward Meet And Greet Stage

by Brett Jasper

Hi everyone. My name is Brett Jasper. I’m from Ontario, California, but I attend Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa where I studied fine art and graphic design;  I’ve been living in Chicago for the past few weeks, seeing the sites, checking out interesting eateries and coffee shops, and spending way too much money.

I arrived a few Saturdays ago, flew into Midway and took a shuttle, eventually arriving (after getting slightly lost) at the doorstep of Canterbury Court Apartments on North State Street just off Division. It’s a bustling, touristy neighborhood right in downtown Chicago. When I got up to my room on the sixth floor I was immediately blown away by the view and, simultaneously, horrified by the lack of a kitchen and second bed. I soon realized, though, that they weren’t missing – just hiding in closets. It’s definitely small but two people can easily make it work. It’s only three months, anyway.

Our first day after arriving, we met with the entire group at Lou Malnati’s pizza just down the street from the apartment. For the first few days, for me at least, it was hard to get comfortable. In this whole new place with a crowd of strangers, it didn’t really feel like home. This out-of-place feeling didn’t last too long though. It was actually pretty easy to meet people. While some students did have friends in the program, it seemed like most came alone, so everyone was kind of in the same boat. Also, this group is pretty good at posting to the Facebook group when fun things are happening, so everyone can get involved.