Caroline Catanzarite - Welcome to the Windy City

Posted November 2, 2020 by Wheaton College
Tags: Chicago Relationship-Oriented

Caroline Catanzarite '21 - Welcome to the Windy City

Before coming to Wheaton, I never imagined myself living near Chicago. I was raised in the south, which was quite comfortable, warm, and familiar. Why would I want to lose that? However, after spending some time in Chicago during my visit, I could picture myself moving here. Everything about the city was so inviting – the streets, the riverwalk, the skyscrapers, the restaurants, the shops, and so much more! With a Wheaton train stop going straight into the city and plenty of opportunities downtown, I wanted Wheaton to be my home for the next four years.         

Its proximity to Chicago was particularly meaningful to me once I joined a volunteer group that regularly distributed clothing to the homeless population there. There is a huge need for those 80,000-plus living on the streets!  During the cold season, we walked through the snowy city to hand out gloves, hats, and blankets .It was truly a privilege to listen to these people’s stories and aspirations. My involvement with this organization revealed the vast opportunities I had to impact others through access to the third largest city in the U.S.

The possibilities for connections in Chicago are endless. Whether it's volunteering, networking, or simply hanging out with friends, this city helps its residents cultivate meaningful relationships in all walks of life. 


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