The Night Before Departure

Today July the 4th, other than being a national holiday, is the day before our ILC trip to Chicago. It is crazy to think it has been more than seven months since the initial ILC presentation and nearly five months since I was selected to be a part of the UChicago cohort. Since the Vanderbilt and UChicago cohorts were selected, a lot of effort has been put in by everyone involved. We have filled out tons of paperwork, attended several events, posted blogs every step of the way, and exchanged MANY MANY emails. So much has been leading up to tomorrow morning, it’s hard to believe it’s finally here!

In the few days leading up to Departure Day, I have spent most of my time trying to plan for and adjust to some of the changes we will face in Chicago. The first thing I tried to prepare for is the two hour time difference. This is one of the biggest struggles I have faced in preparing for this trip. Ever since summer began, I have been falling asleep nearly at 4 AM and waking up in the late afternoon. This bad habit was obviously not going to work in Chicago. Lately, I have begun waking up much earlier so thankfully my body has gotten used to a good sleep schedule again.

I also worked on packing for the unpredictable weather in the Midwest. Because I lived in Iowa for 12 years, I know first-hand how easily the weather can change. When remembering the weather growing up, one phrase that I heard a lot as a kid comes to mind, “Don’t Like The Weather in Iowa? Wait 5 Minutes – It Will Change!” Knowing this, I made sure to pack sunscreen and short-sleeved shirts for the hot weather but also an umbrella and layers for the inevitable rain.

My bags all ready to go!

The rest of sorting out what to pack was pretty straightforward. Thanks to Don and all of the loaner items he makes available to the ILCers, there was little left to worry about. I asked to borrow quite a few things from Don and he was generous enough to bring them straight to my house. 

All the loaner items I got from Don.

Having most of the packing out of the way, I got to spend most of today with my family. After some last-minute shopping for some items, I spent the rest of my day celebrating my grandfather’s birthday, having my last dinner with my family, and enjoying some of the fireworks outside my house. 

There are only a few hours left before we will all meet at El Cerrito High School to finally depart on our journey to Chicago. I am incredibly nervous but I am also really looking forward to the opportunity I will have to learn and grow and to making many incredible memories in Chicago that I will cherish for a lifetime. I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who has made this amazing opportunity possible for me. Next time you hear from me, we will have already embarked on our adventures in Chicago and will have lots to share!

Chicago, where we are headed!