b'When people think about Chicago, what often comes to mindENGAGING are news stories of a world-class city struggling with violenceTHE CITY FAITHFULLY and crime, or perhaps the citys latest political and business controversies. David RiadiAt Chicago Semester, we know this world-class city is more than these headlines.Dordt UniversityComputer Science, Class of 2021We dive into Chicago as our classroom to show students how God is at work in the city, encouraging them to engage the cityAlthough he had the option to graduate a semester early, David Riadi chose to participate in Chicago Semester instead. Hes thankful he did. It faithfully as neighbors.gave him a fulfilling opportunity to engage with the many neighborhoods and communities in a large, diverse city.18 ORGANIZATION VISITS AND FIELD TRIPS WhileinChicago,heinternedatSubletinn,astart-uporganization to Chicago neighborhoods with students. that connects students, interns, young professionals and international travelerswithco-livingcommunities.Havinggrownupinanurban environment in Indonesia, he especially valued the chance his internship 8 CITY FELLOWS provided to interact with people from many different backgrounds. He participated in paid non-profit internships made possible by sitealso loved to explore Chicagos numerous neighborhoods, discovering the partners and Chicago Semester supporters in Summer 2020 hidden gems the city offered and getting to know community members through local coffee shops and cafes.OVER 80%of Chicago Semester alumni acknowledge a hopeful narrative ofDavidisgratefulthatChicagoSemesterincreasedhisawarenessof Gods presence in the city and feel motivated to contribute to socialwhatwashappeningaroundhimandhowhecoulddemonstratehis justice in their communities. care and support. Through the Values and Vocation, Art in the City and *Based on Chicago Semesters Program Evaluations and student assessment results in 2020-2021. professionalseminarcourses,helearnedaboutChicagoswelcoming posturetowardpeopleofdifferentracialandethnicbackgrounds.He found it empowering to participate in his first march for solidarity, a Stop Asian Hate event, and to help give voice to the voiceless.Ashesearchesforhisfirstprofessionalposition,heisexcitedabout working in technology or business in an urban or rural area. He knows that wherever he lands, he will value the independence, self-discipline, kindnesstowardothersandcommitmenttocommunitythatChicago Semester helped foster.In April 2021, visiting faculty Don DeGraaf took a group of students on a day long bike tour of Chicago, one of the many ways that students got to engage the city this year.9'