Youth Trek at the White House

Today, some of our Youth Trek participants were able to attend the White House ceremony (hosted by President Obama) to honor the WNBA Champions Minnesota Lynx. Was. So. Cool. -- Jess

 

It has been an honor to spend this week with these wonderful young ladies.  I want to thank Ms. Jessica for allowing me to tag along and the ladies for welcoming me into the group.   As a native of the suburbs of Chicago it has been such a treat to share my home city with these Trekkers!  We have had so many wonderful adventures and met with so many interesting and inspirational Chicago leaders that it is hard to believe it has only been 4 days. Every hour we faced new challenges together - we overcame obstacles, shared MANY laughs, and created wonderful memories. I was impressed with the caring nature of these young ladies, their thoughtful questions, and lovely singing voices.  I am very much looking forward to hearing about the adventures these leading ladies will be taking on in the future and hope they will cherish these memories as much a I will!

Ms. Anna

Day 4: Wow…what an amazing day!

Hey guys! We’re back!! So I must say today was so much fun! We woke up super early to get to the Science and Industry Museum. The museum was so so much fun! First, we headed into the exhibit that showed different storms. We got the opportunity to actually go into a mock tornado. It seemed so real and it was really cool. Our tour guide Jess was really intriguing and she made the exhibits EXTRA interesting. The other really cool exhibit was the Mythbusters exhibit. I had such a great time busting all those myths! I was super shocked at how much I enjoyed the museum because it was mainly about science which is one of my least favorite subjects. So let’s move on.  Next, we went to the BMO Harris Private Bank for lunch and to talk to two awesome ladies. When we first got there, I just assumed it was a regular bank but boyyyy was I wrong! This bank reminded me of the White House with all the different decorations and it was so hi-tech! Ms. Spielman was such a cool lady and her friend was so amazingly nice. Lunch was DEEEE-licious! (Excuse the informal spelling. I just had to let you know! LOL) Anyway during lunch, we had excellent conversation and we got outstanding advice. Afterwards we headed to the Obama Headquarters for a tour! Who would have known that we would have gotten a special private tour? It was amazing to see everything that happened behind the scenes. Our tour guide even said that it was 600 people who worked behind the scenes. You all know I can go on all night long but I am super tired and it is most definitely time for bed so I will talk to you all soon hopefully! Goodnight!

--tierra

DAY 4 : WHATS IN STORE FOR TODAY

Boyyyy ohh boyyy do I have something to tell you guys! The first thing we did today was visit the Science & Industry Museum ! It was soo exciting and fun! I got to stand in an actual tornado with winds up to 5mph & yes that may seem slow but when you’re actually IN it umm yess its going pretty fast and its hard to see anything, everything becomes blurry lol but it was still fun and a good experience, I would definitely do it all over again without a doubt though. After that we went and met up with these lovely ladies from the BMO Bank and they provided lunch which was omggg GOOOOOOD! (which was prepared by a chef) But in the process we got a chance to ask them questions and come to find out they work with more of the wealthier people of the bank, like the ones that are more fortunate than others! They also gave good advice like to “get good grades” and “stick to your dreams” which was inspiring ! Nextttt omg I’m really exciting to talk about this ahhh we went to President Barack Obama campaign !! I had NO idea it was soooo BIG and soo many people dedicate their time and effort into him to make sure he wins again. We also got the luxury to go on a more exclusive tour too! Which was nice , it would have been REALLYYYYY nice to actually meet the President but we all know we would have to be somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody in the top top league! Lol all in all today was somewhat my favorite day, including the sight seeing and the priceless moments and laughs we have this is something that I definitely won’t forget :) we have one more day here , lets see how it goes !

CIERRA

day 4 in chicago

Today in chicago we went to 3 places .The first place was the science and industry museum.We saw a vortex.The vortex was made with wind water and heat.We saw how lighting was formed.Also went to bmo harris private bank and had lunch.We talked about important  parts of the manager and vice president life. Also why they come to work everyday. The last place was the obama headquarters where we saw people who help work on the obama campain. This is known as a career and community help because the  get other people to help with this and they get payed to do this. But over all i loved this trip i will come back next year.-kayla.W

Almost Home

Hey, hey DC this is Tenaj checking in. I had a fabulous time in Chicago and think it is a wonderful place to live in. I would come back:) Today we went to the Museum of Science and Industry then to BMO the private Bank were we also had lunch, finally we went to the President Obama campaign head quarters. My favorite part of today was the museum because Ms. Jessica our tour guide was great. I can't wait until tomorrow to finish our trip. Good night everyone. Talk to you later.
--tenaj

Today was the best full day. I am a little sad because we are leaving so soon. It has been a wonderful experience. Today we went to the bmo  private bank for lunch. We talked to  two women that worked in the bank. One of the women's job is to get different banks to get to know each other and work together on different projects. The lunch was extremely good. I started with a Caesar salad with shrimp. Then I moved on to a stir fry rice with chicken. It was really healthy and delicious. For dessert I had a sundae. I was pretty stuffed after all of that. Also, we went to the science institute Museum. My favorite part was when we ran through the invisable rain. Then we went into a special light and to show the rain and how it looks. Last, we went to President barack obama headquarters. We took a tour around the working environment. I got an african american voter pin. Over this trip I gained a lot of information. Next year I how to learn evern more on the next youth trek trip.  -kaylah

Today was just another fantastic day. We went to a total of three places not including the place we ate dinner. The first place we went to was the Science and Industrial Museum, then BMO Bank, and last but not least, the Barrack Obama Headquarters. The Science and Industrial Museum was amazing because Science has never been especially appealing to me before today. Our tour guide whose name was surprisingly the same as our counselor, Ms. Jessica, was just a big ball of energy. She told us about how that Museum allows the employees to have their own style which means they can choose from a variety of colorful uniforms. They could wear one of three different lab coats, an assortment of colorful shirts, and any color Converse sneakers. They had so many on-hand experiments that caught my eye. They had anything from a vortex to a periodic table that ran on electricity and showed what mixes each element made to a color box that showed us that color is only a part of our brain. That last part I mentioned was by far my favorite because we had an opportunity to see what life would look like without color. The second place I am going to talk about is the BMO Bank. It was an all-around great place along with the food. We didn't think that we were going to be there for an hour and a half extra, but when Ms. Jessica, our counselor, told us to talk about Blacks N' Wax we really couldn't stop. Ms. Jessica had to stop us at some point even though we weren't completely finished. The food was another thing. It was very elegant and was the best tasting food that I have eaten so far. The third thing I am going to talk about is the Barrack Obama Headquarters. This area was huge! I had no idea what was ahead when I walked in the room. It was just one gigantic room filled with 600 people. Our tour guide took us all around the office area and lead us into rooms that weren't visible from the area we were standing in at first, sort of like a maze. He definitely knew what he was talking about and knew his way around. The questions we asked were very professional and specific, which is not unusual. The last thing I want to talk about is Harold's Chicken, the place we went out to eat for dinner. It was delicious and we had the most fun we have had all trip due to the way we all bonded and made jokes. Since this is the last night we will be staying here, I want to talk a little about how I feel about the trip. I feel like all of us really had a special bond and the talk was at a steady flow. We all just loved the company of each other and that was my main goal this trip. I definitely accomplished that and am glad that I had the opportunity to be on this trip. I also want to thank Ms. Anna and Ms. Jessica for accompanying us girls on this trip and taking time out of their week to spend with us.  THANK YOU!!!! --Leeya

DAY 3 : WHAT A DAY !

Ahhhh today in Chicago we did some extraaa fun stuff! First we went to the Chicago History Museum which had a tonnnn of history there! I learned about the Chicago fire, got to see some cool old artifacts and got to how differently we dress from then and now. That was really interesting that back then they barely showed any skin and wore long draped clothes all year round and now a days you wont see a teenager with anything past there knees unless its jeans lol after we left the museum we went to this media center and had lunch there with the workers then they gave us a tour. They make commercials and ads for people. That place was really interseting because it takes alot of skill and creativity to do that job and plus its hard to meet other peoples needs. Although thats not a profession I would go into it was definitly fun and interesting being able to go there and learn more about ads and commercials. After that we went to Senator Mark Kirk office , although he wasnt there because hes still recovering from the stroke he had, we got a chance to speak with some of the young men who work with him. The men were very informative and bascially gave us a run down of how they operate and had nothing but positive things to say about Mark Kirk. Also the information they gave us was helpful because even though they work there they are still in school just like us! It was just more understanding. Last but not least later that night we went down to the Navy Pier to cap off our night. We had dinner down there at this greatttt burger place (not as good as Five Guys but you get my point) lol then we walked around and just simply enjoyed our view. There was alot of boats down there to. Sooooo with that being said I just gve you a recap of my day :) ttyl

                                                                                                            - CIERRA

Such an adventure!!!

OMG! Where to begin with yesterday's adventure? We were all over the city of Chicago! Since we have been here, we have utilized every single mode of transportation there is! We have taken the bus, train, walked and we even have been in a boat! How cool is that? Anyway, I don't have too much time to blog this morning so I'm going to somewhat be short and sweet. Yesterday we visited Community Health Center, Senator Mark Kirk's office (President Obama's former office), and Adelstein Liston (my favorite). I enjoyed every single place with visited and I definitely left with good, quality advice with every single one. My favorite place we visited was Adelstein Liston simply because they really spoke to my specific interests. I really saw a career that I can see myself working in! Most of them studied what I want to study and there they were in a career that they can really enjoy. We even met the creator of the company Ms. Ann Liston. She was super cool and she said she can see me in her office!! I was really excited when she said that! She even told me to send her my resume!!! HOW EXCITING?? Well, its time to hit the road so I'll talk to you guys later! :)

-Tierra

Day 3 ind the windy city

today in chicago we went to a museum.At the museum i learn that there was a fire in chicago in the north  side of chicago .the the fire skip the chicago river because it was summer time and the water was low and the wind blew it north.i notice where we were walking around was actually burned down in the 1800's.so during the fire everybody ran to lake michigan and the people who cleaned up pushed all the trash to the lake.we also went the community medical center and learned that people do not pay to see a doctor and the highest people donate is 750,000.we also went to this commercial place where commercials are done . - kayla W

Another Day

Today we did a number of things. We went to the museum and I learned a lot of things. I learned that Chicago had a larger fire in the 1800's. It started with this lady in her barn milking her cow. Also, I learned in 1919 there was a race riot. The race riot began when an African American teenager crossed an imaginary line in the water separating the race to the 29th Street Beach. That led to a lot of fighting with weapons.

      Another interesting thing we did was when we went to community health.Community health was a health center for people who could not afford health insurance .I thought that was a wonderful way for others to stay healthy.In the meeting we talked about how some of their patients have not been to the doctor in years because of the cost of it. So that center allows them to get the proper care they need.I was really amped about the built in pharmacy in the center .I found community health very convenient. -Kaylah :)

Today was another spectacular day. We had so many things planned that I have to take a second to think about them all. We went to five different places, not including the extra places like the times we went back to the hotel and the eating places. First we went to the Chicago History Museum, then Adelstein Liston, then Community Health, then the Senator Kirk Office. To save some time, I will speak of my two favorite places in great detail but I will also mention what things I liked about the rest. My two favorite places were Community Health and the Senator Kirk Office. I chose Community Health because I aspire to be a Pediatrician and thought that it was an absolutely amazing idea to start a free clinic for those who need it the most. Our tour guide, Judith Haasis, was extremely nice and easy to talk to. First, she talked to us about the wonderful things she does in the building and how she has another sight. She talked to us about all sorts of things from having over 1,300 volunteers to how they treat patients who need the most attention to how they have their own pharmacy in the clinic. That was truly unbelievable because I love helping others and can't stand the sight of those suffering. I have chosen to be a  Pediatrician for now, but I have also wanted to be a teacher, open an orphanage, and help special education children. My other favorite place that we went to was the Senator Kirk Office. I feel this way because the two men that were talking to us were very friendly, made good eye-contact, and made me feel like I could ask any question that I wanted. They were very high-spirited and got us involved in conversation. They also showed us the room in which President Obama stayed when he was the former Senator of Illinois. His old desk was still in there and it was such a great view from the 39th floor. We also went to the Chicago History Museum which I enjoyed a lot. Although we only stayed for a short while my favorite part was when we saw this super amazing magician who included us in his act. It was very interesting and we had a great laugh trying to figure out how he did his tricks. The other place that we went was Adelstein Liston which was all about the media. There, they make different types of commercials about different types of things such as politics and/or things that go on around the world. I enjoyed myself to the fullest today and am so excited to see what is next. --Leeya

My Highlights of Today!

Hey, Hey DC this is Tenaj checking in!!!!!! I had a wonderful day today. The weather was great, it was about 95  but since this is the windy state it wasn't really that hot.  My highlight of the day was when we went to the Senator Kirk's office which was President Barack Obama office when he was the sate senator. I put my fingerprint on the nicely cleaned desk so he can have it there when he gets well enough to come back to work. My second favorite was the Community Health be cause it was basically volunteer based. It's amazing how much people really care:)) I am thinking about moving to Chicago because it's so great. We also went to Garret's popcorn. I got a caramel popcorn ball. I'm enjoying myself so much I love making everyone laugh (lol). Goodnight see u tomorrow:)

-Tenaj

Day 2 :-) :-)

Yesterday we visited the hospital Rush. It has been opened since January. We ate lunch with a few women that worked there. They were really interesting and exciting to meet. Most of them have been there for many years but some have been there for a few and they are staying for many more years to come. I really enjoyed their company.Then we took a tour of the hospital. A volunteer name Jennifer escorted us through the parts we were allowed to go through. The have a lot of waiting areas for the families. The best part of the tour was seeing the robots at work. It was really cool seeing them transport supplies to the doctors. Also, i learned that the hospital is in the shape of a butterfly. That was an awesome fact . Rush hospital is really high tech.

Then we headed over to IIDA .IIDA means International Interior Design Association. We met with the Manager of Student Member Relations and Activities ,Ms. Monica DeAngelis. She was a great women to meet. She is in charge of making sure everyone that's involved with interior design knows each other. She taught me if I want to get somewhere I have to get to know people. I could have a small conversation over coffee just to build a relationship .

Afterwards we picked up lunch and went to Millennium Park for a Broadway .They did little skits and plenty of music numbers.I was really excited ti go to forever 21 . I bought a shirt and two pairs of earrings. I really enjoyed myself yesterday. - Kaylah B =)

My trips to Rush Hospital and International Interior Design Association were very interesting and exciting. We went to Rush Hospital first which was great because we got to meet with the staff of the hospital. We sat, ate lunch, and had small talk. They were very enthusiastic about meeting us and had amazing stories to share with us. I think that is was fantastic for them to take time out of their busy day to spend time with us. I definitely am glad that I got the chance to meet all of them and I am also grateful for the spectacular lunch they provided. The second half of the trip was a tour of the hospital. I was in shock at how large the hospital was even before I entered. Our tour guide, Ms. Jennifer, knew the entire hospital inside and out. She showed us many wonderful parts of the hospital from the nature atrium to the robots that work in the basement to the garden area where you have an unbelievable view of Chicago. I was truly intriguing at how well the employees know their way around the hospital. The second place that we went to, International Interior Design Association, was absolutely gorgeous. The job is in the title. They design the interiors of anything from homes to hospitals to hotels. Ms. Monica, our tour guide, focuses on the layout of the design and also teaches the students. She was very high-spirited and all-around fun to be around. She walked us through the work place and showed us how the air conditioner was in the ground, how she puts quotes all around her office for inspiration, and how the design of the building was chosen. I had a wonderful time and had no problem paying attention and staying focused. These were two amazing trips, but on the way I had a couple technical difficulties. At the time when we were about to go on the train, I put my arm on the balcony to look over and found that I had gum stuck to my arm. We had to whip out the hand sanitizer and tissue just to get it off in time. Next, when I was walking out of the elevator to get some ice, my phone fell and the back and the battery fell off so the back fell down the elevator shaft. Luckily the engineer was able to go down and get it. I was thankful that at least it wasn't my battery. I still had an amazing time yesterday and can't wait to see what is ahead. -Leeya

DAY 2 : The Journey Continues

Sooo its day two in Chicago and it was better than day one ! We went to this hospital called Rush Hospital and it was huuuge! But before we took a tour of the hospital we had a chance to meet some of the nurses and doctors there and have lunch with them. They were very nice and we had a good time. it was interesting learning about them and they were funny lol then after lunch we went and took a tour of the hotel and it had EVERYTHING in there, like when i say EVERYTHING I actually mean EVERYTHING! Even the tour guider didnt know the WHOLE hospital lol It had a Childrens, Psyc Ward, and a regular part to take care of patients there. They had alot of waiting areas and areas people can go when their loved ones are going through surgery or just recovering from surgery. Also in the areas is someone there to console you or if you just needed to simply talk to someone, they were there. The hospital has a real homey feeling and makes you feel welcomed. If I got sick or had an emergancy Rush Hospital is the place to take me! lol Then we got a chance to go in the basment where they had actually robots ride around down there or their own and come pick up trash,bins, etc. That was really cool and fun to watch. After we left Rush we went to IIDA (International Interior Design Association) , we met up with this lady named Ms. Monica Ingles and she really did give us some good advice but I was espcially listening because since I'm a senior she stated its good to network and just intership bascially anywhere you can. She gave me some ideas and good options. After she finshed talking we just took a tour around the office, even though the place is called IIDA , surprisingly they dont do actual interior designing, crazy right ? lol thats the same thing i said! BUT they do work with manufactorers and interior designers and they are a non profit organization. After we left IIDA we came back to the hotel for about a half of an hour (if that) and had to leave BACK out to go to the Corner Bakery and then to this concert which was nice, only person I knew that sung was Cyndi Lauper lol but it was still fun to just lay out there on the grass and just listn to music AND the place served us these awesomeeeee strawberry lemonade drinks omg they were SO GOOD! lol So after the concert Ms. Jessica and Ms. Anna stop us while were walking to the station and said they were gonna let us go to Forvever 21 which was across the street! AHHHH MY FACE LITE UPPP! I was so exciting so we go in the Forever 21 and they say we have 30 min , in 30 min me and tierra covered ALL 3 floors of that store! (not the mention the store was wider and had a better variety than the one in DC) lol thennnn last but not least everybody came back to the hotel and went to SLEEP! anddddd now we are back up -___- lol so time to start my day! ttyl :)    
             
                                                                                                          - CIERRA

the fabulous day we had

Today we  went to rush university medical center  and had lunch and talk to the nurses we talked about college and life .We looked around the hospital and saw that they had robots to come and get stuff for the they know the direction to go and worn people to get out the way the lift it by there-self and pick up thing like garbage and crates but they have to be on a special cart in order to get  picked up.We also went to the international interior design association and in there the draft  how places will look inside . we met the manager name monica and she gave us a tour around the building. but both places looked nice. .The medical center had a big hospital .we saw how the buildings were  structured .we had a great time .- kayla W

What an AMAZING DAY!

Well, yesterday we had our first meetings and I have to say we did a pretty good job!! We started our day off at Rush University Medical Center and it was a BLAST! We were greeted by some really intelligent and nice ladies who took time out of their day to meet with us! The chef prepared a really beautiful (and tasty) lunch and it made me feel like we were really welcome. Each lady who we spoke with worked throughout the hospital in really high positions. That was super cool because you know, it is always good to see the ladies in charge. LOL :) Anyway, the ladies were extremely nice to be around and answered all our questions with a very positive attitude and they also gave advice while answering the questions. Next, we have the International Interior Design Association! It was super, super cool to meet with Ms. Monica! It was amazing how she linked everything with interior design! She most definitely gave some of the best advice I had heard in a long time. One thing I really took away from her was, "No matter where you want to go in life, you have to have connections." I really enjoyed my entire day yesterday and I cannot wait to see what is in store for today!

-Tierra

Boats, robots, and clean lines

We've had a busy two days since hitting the ground in Chicago! On Sunday, we did the architecture boat cruise to orient ourselves to the city. Thank you to friends for helping make that happen. It was truly beautiful and a lovely day on the water. We've been especially lucky to miss the heat wave here in Chicago, so far... (ninety degrees expected today).

Yesterday, we visited Rush Medical Center which was amazing. It was the only hospital I've visited that didn't really feel like a hospital. They are extremely patient and family-centric with beautiful new facilities that include family resource rooms, quiet rooms, outdoor garden space for families and patients, and careful design to ensure patient privacy. In the bowels of the basement were robots that move on their own. They are machines that drive themselves to and from deliveries and pick ups. They warn you to get out of the way if you are in front of them. It was totally creepy to see these robots just start up on their own and "drive" off somewhere for a pick up!

We ended our visits yesterday with a trip to the International Interior Design Association HQ. As you might imagine, they have beautiful offices with cool design. I'd like someone from there to please visit my house in DC. Special thanks to Miss Andrea (from Seattle/Portland youth trek) for arranging!

Big day today, headed out shortly to the Chicago history museum.

Jessica

Pics

Check out new pics from trip @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/youthtrekglobal/!

My goal for this week is to learn about different thing like famous buildings and different careers. Also to meet new people learn a and find something nice to do for a living.-Kayla W

Some of my goals for Youth Trek this week are to become more social. Chicago is a wonderful place and I would love to explore as much land as possible. So far we have only done a limited amount of travel and I am already very tired at night. Last night I was so tired it hurt. This only means one thing… I am going to be hurting a lot this week. I looked over our itinerary and saw that yesterday was just a preview as to what we were going to be doing this week. I am extremely excited about what is ahead and will always make sure to get a good nights’ rest and talk to my friend later.

- Leeya

My first impression of Chicago is different. I think it’s different because everyone has their own style unlike back in D.C. everyone dresses alike. We are hoping Ms. Jessica allows us to go to Forever 21. Also the weather is pretty nice .I wouldn’t mine going on vacations to Chicago. Those vacations would have to be during the summer time because I know in the winter it can get extremely cold.

Kayla B

I enjoy traveling by foot and rain because we get to site see and interact with the people of Chicago.  Travel by foot has disadvantages because our feet start to hurt from all of the walking but that’s why we have the train. :) It does most of the dirty work for us. I also had fun at the Lou Malnatis last night. The food was delish!!! Chicago has an interrusting way to make there pizza. They put the salsa first then the toppings and then some more salsa. I had two slices  I couldn’t finish the last one. It was so much. Most of us couldn’t even get through the first one. 

--Tenaj

On my first flight I was a little nervous by it was ok. The takeoff and the landing were a little shaky but we were safe.  I felt that the plane ride was boring and took a long time .it took from 5:30 to 10:40 to get to Chicago. But so far I think it’s a nice place good food and fun things to do. - Kayla W

My favorite way to travel has to be by foot. I like to take the time to see everything and everybody and in my opinion, walking is the best way to do that. When you visit a place, you really want to experience it like the people who live there and by walking you can do that. I won’t lie, walking can sometimes be tiring but we are here to really discover the city of Chicago and get the real “Chi-town” experience! Lol :)

-Tierra

Although our flight was delayed and we encountered some people who weren’t the friendliest. Chicago is a beautiful place and that is only one of the many words used to describe it. This city has some similarities to others but you can definitely point out the differences. Everybody has their own style, the pace is fast but not too fast, and the hotels are extravagant. I am absolutely positively in love with this hotel. I like to call it “The Hotel for Girls.” The colors are bright, gorgeous and the entire hotel has a beach theme. The rooms are very spacious and I couldn’t help but unpack and take lots of pictures the first day. – Leeya    

One of my goals for Youth Trek this week is to learn more about the community, careers, and culture.  So far we have learned about the architecture buildings. Also, we went to Lou Malnattis. The pizza was amazing; the tomatoes sauce was under and on top of the cheese. The restaurant had wonderful waiters. I can’t wait to learn more this week!   - Kaylah =))

What is my first impression of Chicago? Hmmm, where to start? Well, I must say Chicago is a beautiful city! The people are beautiful, the buildings are amazing and the people just really seem to be very nice. Who would have known that Chicago would attract so many tourists? We have met people from all over the country just in the one day that we were here.  We have seen people from California, Seattle, New York and much more. One other major thing I noticed about Chicago how similar it is to New York. The people are similar and the subway is similar. The people are all unique. No one looks the same. Everyone has their own style and no one wants to look like the other.  All in all, my first impression of Chicago was a good one! :) Tierra

Hey, Hey DC this is Tenaj checking in!!! :) I’m having a great time out here in the Midwest.  One of my goals for this week is to get to know Kaylah better and to make her feel welcomed. I’m look forward to going to the Medical center today because I’m getting really interested in the medical field. 

I LOVE IT!

So its our second day here and I LOVE IT !!So far since we’ve  been here in Chicago we have went to chipotle, on a boat ride and to this amazing pizza place called Lou Malnatis. On the boat ride we saw these buildings taller than the Statue Of Liberty! Some buildings had 60 plus floors. The people here are so different, I really like where were staying because it reminds me of a downtown New York. I wouldn’t mind living here and could see myself living here.  My first impression of Chicago was as I stated earlier, just like a New York. The people are fast pace, everyone looks like they know where there going so if you don’t know you better get out the way lol One of my goals for Youth Trek this week is to at least visit a Forever 21 because I would like to see how the Forever 21 in Chicago is different from the one back home, also I would be interested in seeing if the prices are cheaper or more expensive. Overall I would rate my first day day here, on a scale of 1-10…10!! We have a lot in store for today so I would love to keep typing but I gotta go lol :) ttyl

- cierra

Here We Go!

I can hardly believe we're preparing for Year 3! In one week, Youth Trek is off to Chicago with 6 girls from Washington, DC. We've got a great trip planned thanks to amazing friends and partners throughout the country. Looking forward to taking this trip and adventure with Anna. More from the road soon...

Jessica

Big trip!

On this trip to Chicago, I will feel a sense of nervousness. Not traveling with Youth Trek only because this is my first time! but this will be my first time on an airplane, going to another state without my parents by my side. I am sure this is just as difficult for them as it will be for me. I will soon overcome my nervousness knowing that my parents trust me and I am very responsible and independent. Once I arrive in Chicago, I will look forward to seeing the Sear's Tower and many other major buildings there. I am also looking forward to developing a deeper relationship with the other Youth Trek members. 


Leeya

Chicago, here we come!

No, this is not my first Youth Trek trip but, I am just as excited as my first time. We are going to Chi-town this time! How exciting? Here I come deep dish pizza and world famous Chicago dogs! Chicago is full of exciting things and people. It is the home of my President and one of the most economically stable cities in the United States. Hopefully, I can get a chance to meet more people who studied political science and or journalism because that is what I want to study. I am very interested to see the many new careers I have yet to discover. I am very, very excited for this trip and I cannot wait until Sunday!! Chicago, get ready for Youth Trek!


Tierra

Sightseeing

I am really excited to attend another Youth Trek trip. I'm looking forward to experience the Shoreline sightseeing. Also I am excited to visit the Obama Campaign HQ. Those are some of the places that seem like a lot of fun. I can not wait for this experience.

- Kayla B

One Week!

One of the many things I'm excited about is just traveling without my parent. I've never been to Chicago period and having the chance to experience it is just exciting in itself. Also since I am a Derrick Rose fan and he plays for the Chicago Bulls, I always wanted to go to Chicago. I'm also excited about eating there, I wonder what type of food they eat there and I'm determined to try a pizza place there since Chicago is known for their famous pizza.

- Cierra

Excited!

One of the things I'm excited about is going on the plane. I'm also excited about going to Chicago for the first time. I'm also looking forward to working with Ms. Jessica. I also look forward to going to the Chicago Children's Museum.
- Kayla

One Week to Go!

I'm excited to go to Chicago because on the first trip we just stopped at the airport now we are going to visit. It's going to be great! I'm looking forward to visiting Ms. Karen at the bank. I'm really excited to be visiting Rush University Medical Center. This will help me because I want to be an Obgyn.
Tenaj