Lost in translation -- Shanshan Li

New Life, New start 

Everyone has to live seriously and purposefully regardless of where they are. Discovering beauty and savoring happiness in ordinary days is the joy of life. This beauty and happiness can save people from busyness and stress. It is crucial for me to have fun in life. When I moved to Chicago, I had to adapt to an unfamiliar environment and try to find the joy of life again. I am not an adaptable person, so I need a lot of time to adjust. Chicago is charming. It not only has tall and bustling buildings, but also a variety of parks that can get close to nature. This beautiful city adds a touch of color to my life. However, the night in Chicago terrifies me, and I can’t get used to rarely going out at night. Even though I have my own time and a lot of relaxing places I can go, I am still figuring out the night life culture of Chicago.  

I am a person who likes to hang out close to nature, and there are many free places I can relax and enjoy in Chicago. Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and Lincoln Park are my favorite places. In the United States, I have more time than in China. As a student, there is no mountain of homework for me, and I have more time to arrange my own activities. In my free time, I used to go to Lake Michigan because my hometown, Yiyang, does not have a lake that is like the sea. I spent all afternoon at the lake. I just sat near there, watched the sunset, and did not think about anything in my mind. The beautiful views healed me and kept me away from the noise of life. In addition, Lincoln Park is another suitable place I usually go to. Especially in summer, the world of green is in the park. Trees and flowers like artworks in the art museum wait for people to appreciate them. I like to use my camera to record myself and beauty in the best season. I like to lie under the tree, enjoy the sun, and watch the sunlight shine through the shadows of the leaves. The beauty of Chicago made it less difficult for me to adjust to my new life. 

Nevertheless, even though I enjoy the natural scenery of Chicago, the colorful night life is what I miss so much, and I am still adapting to the night life in Chicago. I am forced to stay at home to spend my most of nighttime because Chicago’s night life is not colorful than China, and it is more dangerous than China. Zijiang River is the liveliest place in Yiyang at night. When I was in Yiyang, I used to go there at night with my family and friends. We walked along the river, enjoyed the evening breeze, and ate street food. Xiufeng Park night market is open every day. There are many vendors in the street. They sell all kinds of cheap and delicious food, clothes and trinkets. In China, people do not have to be concerned about safety at night. I can enjoy the lively atmosphere at night just like during the daytime. However, I cannot think of more activity at night except bars in Chicago. My night life right now is taking a walk before the sky gets dark. I am so excited about my 21st birthday that is around the corner because I can go to a bar and drink legally. 

Life is hard, but the only thing people can do is keep going, working hard, and make life become what they wish. After I left China and came to the United States, I lost my comfort zone and there was a whole new world in front of me. I found some places in this big city where I could fit in, but there were still some parts that I had to work hard to fit in. I didn’t lose my enthusiasm for life just because I came to an unfamiliar country. These experiences are unique, make me grow and make me strong. The search for meaning of life didn’t stop, I am enjoying my new life and moving forward.