Little Moments during my Commute to DePaul

A view of the Pingree Road Metra train platform and tracks on a sunny autumn day, with trees showing bright red and yellow foliage in the background.

During the morning rush, while making sure I’m on time for the train and with classwork on the brain, I sometimes skip over the little moments. Like the cute dog on the sidewalk, or how the trees at the train station are gorgeous. I have been trying to change that. 

An abstract architectural photo showing the angled, radial metal supports of a window or atrium framing a beige, modern high-rise building façade.<br />

Especially as it’s senior year, I sometimes feel that I am just going through the motions on my daily commute to school. I have grown so used to the walk from the station to DePaul’s Loop campus, I haven’t really appreciated everything around me. Like how businesses are switching out the summer foliage, to rich mums of every color. Or just walking out of the train station and taking a moment to look at the intricate design work. Instead of rushing off to class right away, taking the 5-10 seconds to just look around. 

A young woman with glasses and long brown hair looks up at towering skyscrapers from a low-angle perspective at a city intersection. The clear blue sky contrasts with the tall buildings, and a street sign reading "Madison St" is visible on the left.

I have been leaving my headphones off, especially in the morning as I walk to the Loop campus. I find this has helped keep me from just sleep walking through my morning. It’s allowed me to be more present so I won’t miss stuff like the amazing signs the Lyric Opera House always has. On top of that I do feel so much more refreshed before class. 

A vertically-oriented photo of a sign reading "SHE DOESN'T NEED LABUBUS BUY OPERA TICKETS" hanging on a building, surrounded by towering, modern city skyscrapers.
A close-up, overhead photograph showing a dense cluster of bright orange chrysanthemum flowers (mums) with visible green leaves beneath them.

I think one of the best parts about going to school in Chicago is the movement. So much is walkable and there is so much to see as you walk. It can be breathtaking! Even when on the ‘L’s or buses, sometimes it’s so nice to just look out the windows, instead of just looking at your phone. 

So, I will keep on trying to be more present on my commute, even on the days I am truly in a rush. If I can find one thing each day that makes me smile, like seeing a new display on State Street or noticing how light filters through the windows of a building, I am doing good. It’s a great way to start the day before classes.

                                    ~Sienna

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