Chicago: More than just the Windy City

This post is written by Mayra Miranda.

Mayra serves as a Health Educator at Erie Family Health Center - Johnson.

Community, winter and deep dish pizza are words that come to mind when I think about my city. After spending five years away for college, I was excited to return home and serve with the Chicago Health Corps. During orientation, I realized that the majority of the group was not from Chicago. As a proud Chicagoan, I felt it was my duty to let my group know what Chicago has to offer. When I think about what my city is like, my first reaction is to say that Chicago is a collection of communities each with a unique beauty. If one wants to explore Chicago, driving is not a requirement. The complex train system, CTA buses, and now Divvy bikes get commuters to most parts of the city.

Take a trip on the Pink'L" train to 18th and Damen and you have arrived at Pilsen, a predominantly Mexican community in the lower west side of Chicago. When you walk down the street, you are surrounded by color, murals and authentic Mexican cuisine. On the weekend, restaurants have long wait times and people sell tamales and champurado on the street. Take the 49th Western bus to Division and you are now in Humboldt Park, home to Las Fiestas Puertoriqueñas (Puertorican festivals) and various community organizations. Apart from Pilsen and Humboldt Park other neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Greek Town, Chinatown, Hyde Park and North Lawndale are all different in demographics and history. For example, my host site is in North Lawndale which is a 15 minute bus ride away from my house. In Pilsen, I can walk to a supermarket and buy produce. In North Lawndale, that is not the case. Serving in North Lawndale, I realized that my host site is in a food desert limiting community access to fresh foods. It is small observations that show the diversity of the city.

In Chicago, people are always on the go. Commuting in the morning and during rush hours on public transportation or driving is a nightmare. If that was not enough, people are used to having a 60 degree day and then waking up to a chilly 30 degree morning. It takes commitment to check the weather daily. Regardless of the winters, summer in Chicago make things better. During summertime and all year around one can enjoy free concerts, festivals and activities around the city. Further, museums, cultural centers, buildings and breathtaking views like Millennium Park, Chicago Cultural Center, Navy Pier and The Field Museum are very popular locations to visit.

Apart from the awesome things that Chicago has to offer, my city is also complex. From pre-service orientation we learned that Chicago is affected by various public health issues like high rates of sexually transmitted infections among youth. Further, health education around asthma and nutrition are imperative for communities. It is important to realize that my city is not only a place that brings communities and people together, but it is also a city affected by violence and inequality. As someone who is and is serving in Chicago, I am excited for my fellow Chicago Health Corps members to experience, learn and reflect on the many aspects of the Windy City.