Settling In Chicago and Gaining Momentum - Week 2

Over the weekend, I took some time to reflect on how Week 2 unfolded. Compared to the whirlwind of Week 1, it was a more relaxed pace. With the jetlag finally wearing off, I found myself settling into the rhythm of life in Chicago. Here’s a recap of how my second week went.

1. Started Professional Mentorship

The highlight of the week was diving deeper into my professional mentorship. After the initial excitement of Week 1,the second week gave me the chance to truly connect with my mentor Katherine Hollars, from Macy's Inc and my fellow mentee, Zabira Rakhymbay. We discussed our individual goals, explored growth opportunities, and discussed how we could leverage concise storytelling with data for better decision making. It was an incredible opportunity to gain insights from someone who had already walked the path I was aspiring to follow. We also had the chance to attend organization meetings and shadow in some impactful discussions. I always left our encounnters feeling better informed, and confident and i had multiple lightbulb moments even in simple basic conversations.

2. Networking Event at Nvisia

Midweek, I attended a networking event at Nvisia, a company known for its innovative approach to software development. The event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with other professionals in tech, exchange ideas, and hear about their diverse experiences. Networking has always been crucial to my growth as a data scientist and entrepreneur, and this event felt like another step in building a stronger professional network in the U.S.

3. Attended TEDx Chicago

A particularly special moment during Week 2 was attending TEDx Chicago. As a former TEDx speaker myself, this felt like a full-circle moment. Sitting in the audience, I reflected on my own journey and the transformative power of storytelling. Listening to other speakers passionately share their ideas reminded me why I loved this platform so much—ideas have the power to shift perspectives, spark innovation, and inspire change. Whether on stage or in the audience, being part of the TEDx community has always been a deeply enriching experience for me.

4. Visited the Home Alone House

On a lighter note, one of the more nostalgic experiences of the week was visiting the iconic "Home Alone" house. Like many, I grew up watching this movie, and seeing the house in person was surreal. It’s amazing how certain places can transport you back to childhood. Standing in front of such a recognizable piece of cinematic history was pure joy, and it added a fun twist to my week in Chicago.

5. Visited Winners' Chapel

To end the week, I had the chance to visit my home church, Winners' Chapel. No matter where I am in the world, there’s always something grounding and comforting about connecting with a familiar spiritual community. It was a peaceful way to close out the week, giving me the space to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming challenges and opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Week 2 was a much-needed change from the intensity of the first week, allowing me to settle in and find my footing. Between the mentorship, networking, and personal experiences, I felt more grounded and prepared to embrace the journey ahead. It had been a week of growth, reflection, and a few nostalgic moments that made it truly memorable. Week 3 was on the horizon, and I was ready for whatever it had in store!