Chicago

So it has been about a month now since I journeyed to Chicago for the Midwest Economic Conference (MEA sponsored). The whole thing was rather last minute for me. A good portion of the students who went had been signed up for months and the reason I didn't from the beginning was because of the potential cost of the trip. As it turned out, three students dropped out last minute due to workloads, and by last minute I mean I had a 48 hour notice. The Political Economy Club was able to reduce the price to $0, so regardless of wanting rest and time to just do work, I decided this opportunity was way too good to pass up.

I honestly feel that traveling to places I've never been with complete strangers is one of the most thrilling things I do. Some people like skydiving, others prefer driving 90 mph, I however love travel and new acquaintances.

I met the group in a parking lot on campus and we piled into two University owned vans, guys in one and girls in the other, very Irish I might add. Anyway we left around 4:45 pm and arrived in Chicago around 1:00 am Chicago time. The conference itself was actually in Evanston, which is just north of Chicago. The hotel was extremely nice. The conference was interesting because all of the presentations on Friday were way over my head. I sat through an Ivy League session and realized how much I really don't know. That night we went out for some Chicago deep dish pizza with Dr. Trejos and Dr. Barbozza which was great fun. We had a super long table and once again sat guys on one end and girls on the other. The guys had deep economical discussions with Dr. Barbozza, while us girls enjoyed talking to Dr. Trejos about balancing a family life with work among other things.

Saturday I attended all of the Undergrad Sessions which were still over my head at certain points but I did understand a good portion of what was going on. I want to submit some of my research to present next year, hopefully that all works out. Saturday night we drove into Chicago for a night out in the city. None of us had brought substantial winter coats as it had been in the 70's Thursday and Friday but Saturday it was snowing and we all just about froze to death. But we ate at a super cool authentic Chicago restaurant and walked around the city so it was well worth it.

Sunday morning we got up early to make the long journey home. I made some new friends and I gained the secretary position in Political Economy Club for the upcoming school year. I can't wait for St. Louis next year!