{ Moving to Chicago }

So. I'm sorry for the radio silence yesterday. As usual, life is crazy busy and as usual, I'm still trying to figure things out. What else is new? I'll get it. Don't you worry.

If you've read my blog for a while, then you probably know by now that I'm 22 years old, a student at the University of Cincinnati, and that I came to Chicago at the start of June for a summer internship with Jess LC and to do some work for The Everygirl. My plan was originally to leave Chicago on August 25th to be back for Fall semester.

As per usual...things have changed. Isn't it funny how that happens? Life is so unpredictable, and yet a part of me is not the least bit surprised about what I'm about to tell you guys.

I'm staying in Chicago.

First of all, I know what you're all thinking. What about school? Oh yes. That. Truth be told, I am in a really stressful financial situation right now that is not allowing me to return to school in the Fall. I pay out of state tuition, which as you know, is not cheap, and the stress of taking out more and more loans and seeing my debt grow has led me to make a decision to step away and return when I can afford it. I'm extremely lucky that I have some amazing opportunities for my career in the meantime.

My time as an intern with Jess LC will evolve in the Fall to a paid position. Which is kind of crazy! I remember fantasizing about this kind of possibility in the Spring, but never anticipated that it would actually happen. I'll be picking up a second job as well to help pay back student loans and bills, and also continue offering my freelance design services, which I am happy to say, has been going amazing. I honestly never imagined that people would hire me to do this. I mean, I hoped, of course. But the response has truly taken me by surprise and I'm so, so grateful.

I am incredibly lucky to have so many people's support with this decision. My family is thrilled for me, Trevor couldn't be more proud, and the family I've been living with for the summer has extended their invitation to me to stay in their home for an extra couple of months while I try to save money for a place of my own, which is so beyond what I could ever ask for. 

All that being said, I am, of course, a little terrified and nervous. But when my fear gets the best of me, I step back and see the bigger picture. I am receiving opportunities that I have dreamt about for what
feels like an eternity, and sometimes it's hard to believe that this is all really happening. But you wanna know a secret? All I had to do was try. You know how people always say they wish they would win the lottery but they never buy a ticket? That was me. for so long. January 1st of this year I finally promised myself that I'd stop making excuses, go after the things that I wanted, and see where it would take me. 

Well, it turns out that it's taken me to Chicago. And I couldn't be happier.

-C