City Visits

Marin Greener (she/her)

Editorial Team Member

Chicago has always been a center of learning for me. When I was a little girl, my mother took me to the wide variety of museums at our fingertips. My favorite institution was forever the Museum of Science and Industry. Experiencing so many different exhibits, from the U-505 Submarine to the Pioneer Zephyr, awakened my curiosity. I still remember the Christmas tree displays that taught me about different cultures and traditions. I kept finding myself asking my mother to take me back, to learn more about the world around me. I wanted to challenge myself and see how much I could learn, leading to my later habit of reading a book every day in elementary school. I appreciate the early learning and curious attitude these excursions to city museums gave me. 

Additionally, I often spent time exploring Chicago with family friends. Going to Cloud Gate and walking into the Art Institute with peers inspired me to be creative. I loved to draw growing up, and these unique experiences made me more artistic. My mind was opened to countless possibilities that many featured artists explored at the Art Institute. Additionally, the old buildings of the city developed my love for beautiful, classical architecture. I would have never been so creative or discovered this about myself without this city.

The outdoor environments in Chicago are one of my favorite parts of the city. I felt a sense of community with my friends and siblings at Maggie Daley Park, as we used our ideas to come up with new games. The welcoming atmosphere and greenery of the Lincoln Park Conservatory awed me, deepening my respect for nature. I also appreciated all types of animals after visits to the Lincoln Park Zoo. These experiences outdoors with friends and family contributed to who I am today, making Chicago a city I already know how to take advantage of. Today, I love connecting once again to this old, cherished learning center of mine and many others when I visit.