A Chicago Travelogue

The Transformation of Immersion Week

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 4 - CANOE ON THE RIVER

September 3, 2021

I never would have imagined going on a canoe trip my first week in Chicago. I mean this in a good way. It was a fun experience and I felt bonded with my peers. Although the employees said that it was not a race, my partner and I took this river trip quite seriously. While on our journey I noticed how unkept this river was, rather how wild the nature was which I never had the perspective of. Most parts were peaceful and pretty whereas in other spots I noticed graffiti and litter. This trip down the river made me realize that the work to protect our nature is not done. The gardened nature seemed to have eluded me, and this canoe trip was an eye-opener to real nature. I appreciate how monitored the nature is in the north, where there is tourism however, I am somewhat disappointed in the ignored areas. Nature should be taken care of all throughout Chicago for all the citizens, not only for the tourists to view. By the end of immersion week my mind had truly transformed about Chicago and my curiosity of this wonderful city continues to grow.

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 4 - TOURISTS

September 3, 2021

The effect of tourism has kept Chicago a vibrant city. Tourism has been a part of Chicago since its upbringing. People heard about the growing city of Chicago and went to seek out this new area. The city grew abruptly fast and continues to grow to this day. Chicago has taken advantage of the tourism, which was not a surprise to me. I do wish to see the day where Chicago transforms the south area to appear welcoming to tourists instead of ignoring the cultures there. I think opening tourism to both the north and south side would boost Chicago and would influence the lives of many. There is still time for change, and tourism changes throughout the ages. I have known that Chicago is a tourist site, but I hope everyone can appreciate the beauty of both this quiet and loud city. 

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 4 - I.C. RAILROAD

September 3, 2021

I adore the hard workers of Chicago who serve to keep this city up and going, I find it a beautiful thing. Although this picture is not actually the Illinois Central Railroad; it was bought by Canadian National in 1998. In Chicago it brought multiple cultures and finance, it was one of the reasons for Chicago’s success. It was interesting to learn about the impact of the I.C. Railroad. I find it fascinating how people from all over took this train to Chicago in hopes of a better life. I feel as if I can relate to those people, one of the reasons why I chose to go to college in Chicago is because of the opportunities. This railroad system transformed the lives of citizens as they entered Chicago, I can only hope that the same will happen to me. 

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 4 - CITY BUILT UPON NATURE

September 3, 2021

This picture is very conflicting. Beyond the wild nature is a city, which I never had the chance to truly think about. When I think about what makes up a city, I picture tall buildings, traffic, busy streets― never nature. But Chicago defies that. It was interesting how quickly my thoughts changed. Chicago is both a populated city with buildings, traffic, and people, while also providing parks, beaches, and wild nature. I think with those aspects, it makes Chicago special. I never knew that the lake played a part in the creation of Chicago which is neat. I am glad to have my mind transformed because I know that with this information, I can change other people’s minds as well.

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 3 - FOREVER OPEN, CLEAR, AND FREE

September 1, 2021

This picture to me, models the book Forever Open, Clear, and Free by Lois Wille. The ability to go to the beach, parks, and other areas are all thanks to the citizens who fought for the freedom of the lakefront. The lakefront has been through multiple transformations, the most important would have to be the openness to the public. Instead of building on free land, they kept it open for the parks so the citizens can enjoy. I did not realize what an impact the parks and beaches had on Chicago and its development. Many people have fought the city and other authoritative figures to keep the parks clear which is substantial to why Chicago grew. My thoughts were transformed when I found out how the parks and buildings coexist to make Chicago. That is the reason why I enjoy this picture, because this woman represents the freeness in Chicago where the people can enjoy a forever open, clear, and free city. 

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 3 - WORLD’S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION 1893 

September 1, 2021

It was fascinating to learn that Chicago hosted the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. This especially, presented Chicago to the world and only as a starting city. Chicago transformed its reputation through the events at the exposition. Chicago became known as a marvelous new city that attracted millions of people worldwide. To be known was a goal for Chicago, and through this fair, they were known. It would have been an experience to go, it makes you wonder what your thoughts of the fair would be. It was all new- including the first Ferris wheel, thank you Chicago and G.W.G. Ferris. At the fair, citizens got to listen to the many stories of women suffragettes, an inspiring time for women. It is amazing how Chicago began to develop and how it applies to this day.

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 3 - HISTORY

September 1, 2021

This picture tells a lot about Steelworkers Park. In the water, what looks like a breakwater can be seen. This transformation has saved Chicago, the breakwaters prevent the lake from flooding the lands of this city due to high waves from storms and erosion. In the ground, there seems to be remains where a railroad track once was. Before, this area was a port for steel shipments for the factory. When this factory closed down, a community of citizens lost their jobs. If there was a way to supply jobs in this park once more for the south community, it could help. That is why Chicago needs to take action at this historic site and transform it to something accessible for the south community and other citizens. Rather then letting time take away these timeless sites. 

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 3 - DEVELOPMENT

September 1, 2021

This picture was taken at Steelworkers Park in the South Chicago community. This area has kept the ruins from a steel factory and were unattended for quite some time. But recently the city had decided to transform this area to make it welcome for the community. It is surrounded by beautiful nature and is right on the lake, but it was not recognized. I experienced a transformation going to this park and learning how south of Chicago is treated compared with the north. It is easily seen how unkept and unprioritized the south side of Chicago is. Slowly, the south community is being recognized, through Steelworkers Park. It is an underrated park, because of how peaceful and pretty it is but only now is the city taking action. This picture is of one of the ruins left from the abandoned factory. It can be seen that a rock wall has been installed on the side, making use of what was once there. I think it is important for the city to keep the structures― saving its history and making it anew. Chicago is a long way from transforming the south side, but through Steelworkers Park, it is a step to something great. 

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 2 - NATURE IN THE CITY

August 31, 2021

This picture truly captures Chicago’s beauty, further demonstrating its significance.  A city built upon nature, now that is a transformation. I never would have thought that nature is such a known concept in Chicago. Although, over the years buildings and pollution have tarnished the nature of Chicago, the city is changing its old ways. The city of Chicago has prioritized the sake of nature by keeping parts of areas open and clear. For example, this picture was taken in an undisturbed area of nature― I did not hear any car horns or sirens, it was peaceful. In addition, Chicago has specific sections used for projects and sanctuaries to protect nature. Chicago’s transformation continues as it restores the nature that once protected this city.   

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 2 - EROSION

August 31, 2021

The north side of Chicago has transformed throughout the ages, however this transformation has become a great concern of the city. The lakefront has gone through many erosion stages due to climate change. It is shocking to say that there was an actual beach here at Juneway Beach. There are some downsides to transformation. Due to erosion and storms, the lovely view of Juneway Beach washed away and was replaced with rocks. This of course upset the citizens who paid for a lakefront view, however if this was not set up their houses could have washed away too. Chicago is always changing and transforming its city to continue this front and protect the people. 

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 1 - THE LAKEFRONT

August 30, 2021

My initial thoughts of Chicago did no justice to the lakefront and its glory. While Chicago is a popular city with tall buildings, it has the lakefront. In Chicago, there is growing nature and a growing city. Over time, the lakefront has transformed Chicago into being the successful city it is today. The lakefront protects the city and in return the citizens must protect the lakefront. In the John Hancock observation deck, it was interesting to gain this perspective of Chicago. It makes a person ponder, how can there be a city on one side and a lake on the other. But that is what makes Chicago; the reason we have Chicago is because of the wonderful lake. 

[emma-helzerman]

DAY 1 - EXPRESSION

August 30, 2021

Chicago has developed a culture of expression, where the citizens can voice their opinions and beliefs. Chicago grew upon the passion of the people who saw its promise. To this day, the citizens of Chicago continue to express themselves and further grow Chicago’s community. This picture demonstrates how the lakefront is Chicago’s front yard when it comes to the people. Art is presented all throughout Chicago. In the John Hancock Tower, art is welcomed and provokes us to think differently― to transform ourselves and expand our perspective. Expression has shaped Chicago’s lakefront for centuries and will continue to transform this beautiful city.