New York has always felt like a myth, Los Angeles a mountain. I think Chicago for me is this amazing opportunity to dig my heels in and feel some traction. I have all the access of a major city with none of the clutter or competition. Chicago feels inspiring, challenging yet achievable. Also... hot dogs.

David Lewis

Columbia College Chicago [Creative Industry Liaison]

I moved across the ocean to come to Chicago almost two years ago. I came to study and to start a career. I fell in love with the wide blue sky, the wind in your face, the snow, the sun, the autumn leaves, the people, the smiles, the kindness, the crazy taxidrivers, the soft-speaking librarians, the El trains (but not the rusty squeal when they make a curve), the buses, the opportunities, the dreams.

Nick Orichuia

Columbia College Chicago [Student]

It means the beginning to a journey. I moved to Chicago to escape the life path others expected of me and try my hand at pushing myself forward (rather than use the "conventional" means).

It's also the beginning of my absolute independence. Everywhere else I've lived, I've lived with some sort of support framework -- with my parents, in University residence, in an apartment in a student-y area... Chicago is the first place I've come to where I've been fending completely for myself.

Aidan Nulman

Youphonics [Founder]

Very livable city with an arts scene that is diverse and less media conscious than other markets. Friendly, straightforward people.

Jim Powers

Minty Fresh [Owner]

home. tolerance, diversity, excitement, culture, scale, realtionships, blue collar attitudes, diy aesthetics, humor, entertainment, family history

anna kunz

practicing visual artist and teacher [self employed artist ]

music scene, architectural gem in the us, multi ethnic, beautiful, great lakes basin is one of the most important natural resources in the world.

bryan schuetze

designer [john g shedd aquarium]

i love chicago! it's my big city home away from home. close enough to comfort but further away from where i'm from to not go insane!

Katie Davis

katie davis graphic design [designer]

Coming to Chicago always seemed like a figment of my imagination. After realizing my determination pounding like an anvil inside me, it was then fueled by excitement. Chicago became my reality 2 years ago for college, guided by my dreams. I am the type of individual who couldn't see themselves being happy at a state school. Acknowledging the fact that I always swam against the current, I knew I had to be surrounded by other passionate, creative, innovative, humble individuals. People who have also come to this city to pursue their dreams, start businesses, network and make a name for themselves. This city is truly a fairy tale of it's own. Chicago never fails to inspire me daily and at times I'm overwhelmed with how many opportunities are available. It's really unfortunate the bad wrap Chicago gets because of its brutal crimes and frequent shootings, crime wise it's like any other city just bigger. Plus, better, cleaner and less populated than New York (Sorry, I had to!) However, those things aren't enough to keep me from unraveling the wonders throughout the city. I guess because I'm young, I don't really have too much fear and too much of a hunger for adventure and curiosity. My freshman year I lived Downtown Chicago in the Loop and now a Sophomore, I live in Wrigleyville behind well, Wrigley Field. I live right across from "Alta Vista Terrace" a historic district, architecturally designed to imitate London houses in the 1904's. How many other 19 year old's my age, can say they live across from fake London? I know no one I graduated with at their state schools can say they have! In the past 2 years, I have made friends literally from all over the world at Columbia College, networked like crazy being a Radio Major, picked up a Nanny job on the South Side, just recently landed a job in Lincoln Park, been to numerous festivals and concerts at landmark venues in Chicago like House of Blues, Congress Theater, Grant Park and more. Not to mention, seen some of the most awesome exhibits at The Art Institute of Chicago and Museum of Science and Industry.

Jennifer ELR. Green

Columbia College Chicago [Radio Major]

To me, it's home. Plain

Marcus Hall

Columbia College Chicago [Student]

There's a saying that Chicago is "the city that works," and it's very true. The work ethic here is unlike any other place I've ever been. People work here, and that's the measure that they're held to. In creative fields--from music to publishing to programming to theater, etc--the work you do defines who you are. We're not an ideas place. People don't sit around talking, they sit around DOING. And, to me, that's the most inspiring thing on earth.

Daniel Sinker

Cellstories, Columbia College, formerly Punk Planet magazine and books (take your pick) [founder, assistant professor, founder]