Weekend of Lake Michigan

Description:

A personal journey from concern and uncertainty to warmth and belonging in Chicago. Through small yet powerful encounters, an international student learns that humanity, kindness, and respect cross borders more easily than imagined.

Transcript (provided by author):

Welcome to the ELI’s Finding Chicago Global Perspectives Podcast Series for AEPP 2025. I’m your host, Qingshan Tu, and I’m currently enrolled in the University of Chicago’s Physical Science Divisions. Today I will talk about the first week life trivia of a new international student in Chicago, and my deep feeling about this strange city.

 

Before I came here, honestly, I was nervous. Back home, I had read so many things online about the U.S.—discrimination, drugs, guns, even violent crimes. I worried about messing up in English, about being a teaching assistant for the first time, about doing research in a totally different background, and about whether I could manage life all by myself in a new culture. Even small things scared me—what if I couldn’t check into my apartment? What if I paid the wrong tip at the restaurant and made people unhappy? Leaving the place I had lived for twenty years, leaving family and friends, stepping into the unknown… it all felt heavy.

 

But when I actually arrived, things turned out very different. At the airport, one wheel of my suitcase was missing. I expected a hassle, maybe even indifference. Instead, the staff quickly noticed the situation and came over, apologised, and immediately offered me compensation. That very first moment made me feel, I wasn’t invisible as an “outsider” in the new city—I was cared for.

The airport itself was clear and well organised. I followed the signs easily, took the Inter-terminal shuttle, and found the ride share without trouble. Then came the driver, he helped me with my heavy suitcases, greeting warmly. I was infected by his enthusiasm and talked to him about my situation and concern of future life. I clearly remember his brown eyes, staring at me sincerely. I felt at ease on his car. And after long time flight, I was quite tired. When I closed my eyes to take a nap, this kind driver turned off the music. I was comforted again by his thoughtfulness.

 

The biggest worry for me on the first day was apartment check-in. The large number of notifications and checklists before departure made me feel that it might be a difficult thing. I worried what if I fail and have nowhere to stay? But the front desk staff were patient enough. They repeated things until I understood, explained my rights, and kindly suggested where I could buy first day supplies nearby. In less than half an hour, I was standing in my own room, realising how smoothly everything had gone. On the first night of living here, after reporting to my family that I was safe, I lay in bed and recalled every detail of the day. There was nothing bad except for the broken suitcase. My first day in Chicago is anything but trouble, offence or inconvenience. Both the convenience of technology and humanistic care made me feel at home. The first impression of Chicago gave me great encouragement, making a newcomer looking forward to the future for the first time.

 

There were more things to talk in the next few days. Even the little struggles surprised me. At one checkout, I couldn’t get my CVV code right. I panicked inside, expecting complaints from the people waiting behind me. But nobody showed impatience. The cashier just smiled and told me to take my time. Once when I grabbed food outside, a worker at a fried chicken shop pointed out a possible discount for me so I could save money. At a cafe shop, the staff looked at my name tag on my jacket and curiously learned to pronounce my name— that small effort meant a lot. It made me feel seen. Previously, I took few care about others’ name because I have many friends and there is no need to make more connections. But, in a new city, with no one I know, every little connection I have at the beginning is precious. I think that’s what is called belonging.

 

So, all these small moments build up into a picture I haven’t expected: a city that is not frightening, but actually warm and welcoming.

 

Looking back, I think I learned three things from my first week in this new city.

First, most of our fear lives in imagination. I worried so much before coming here, but reality was far kinder than I thought. Once you experience something yourself, the fear gets smaller. working signs at the airport, a helpful driver, a quick solution when getting into trouble—these simple things gave me more peace of mind. I realised that life is more about those daily detailed things, rather than occasional reports.

 

Second, kindness often hides in small details. A patient explanation, a smile at checkout, a name pronounced with care—these little gestures matter. They create a sense of belonging more than big, dramatic actions ever could.

 

Third, humanity is shared. Before coming, I worried a lot about differences—different culture, different habits, different values. But what I’ve found is that most people, no matter where they are from, want to show kindness and respect. Yes, we do live different lives, but we also share the feelings and expectations of our life. Of course Chicago has its own problems, just like any city, but people here also want to live, work, and grow peacefully—just like people in my hometown. That simple truth makes me feel less like a stranger, and more like someone who can also build a life here.

 

So, my first week here isn’t about danger or anything like that. It is about discovery. It isn’t about fear. It is about connection. Chicago is a city where technology, humanities and nature thrive together. It is no less beautiful than the cities I once lived in.

 

Thank you for listening.