Rich Conversations: 019. Meztli Mijes
Show notes from episode 019 of Rich Conversations with Meztli Mijes. Answers are cut down to fit into writing format.
How long have you lived in Chicago?
Most of my life. I grew up in Wicker Park. There were a lot of changes going on, and we moved out to the suburbs. But I moved back from college and have been here since I was 18.
What’s your neighborhood like?
I live in Logan Square/Avondale area. Sometimes it reminds me of how it used to be—of Latino families. I see people that look like me and say hi to them in Spanish.
If you have an open Saturday, how would you choose to spend it?
I like to clean my apartment. Get up and a decent hour, put some salsa music on, and do a deep clean. That brings me some calm. Usually after that I’ll take a long bath and perform a whole self-care routine. After that, go out with friends or visit my family in the suburbs.
When you think of Chicago, what colors do you imagine first?
I see memories in colors. I see a lot of green and light grey. I grew up in Wicker Park, and I’d be at the park all the time, playing with my little brother. I think of concrete—downtown—commuting to work. Of course the light blue and red for the flag.
What’s your proudest moment as a Chicagoan?
I feel like my proudest moments are always when our sports teams win. It gives you this large sense of pride. But also when I’m out of the city and people ask where I’m from.
If someone were to visit you from out of town, what restaurant would you take them to?
I feel like I’m not too creative when it comes to this. I’d take them to all the Chicago staples—Portillo’s, Giordano’s. I also really like Father & Son’s pizza. Lazo’s Tacos on Western and Armitage, across from Margie’s Candies.
What’s your hidden gem in the city?
Margie’s Candies. I like the feel in there. It takes me back to being a kid. I remember my grandma taking me there as a kid. It has that diner feel. You just dig in on ice-cream.
What sound do you most affiliate with Chicago?
To be honest, the CTA sounds. I like the voice of the person making the announcements too. I like that they have a clear voice.
What music influenced you the most during your time in the city?
Since it’s been most of my life, a variety. But of Chicago, Kanye West. He’s been an influence. Hip-hop and rap remind me a lot of Chicago.
What’s a common scene you see in your daily interaction with the city?
The Chicago River. I have to cross it every morning on my way to work. Walking on the bridge of State Street. And because a lot of tourists are there taking pictures of the view, it reminds me to take a look at the view and appreciate it.
If you were given secret information that Chicago were to be destroyed in one week, what’s one quality you would keep to rebuild the city?
This question’s really easy. I think a defining characteristic of this city is its grit. City of Big Shoulders. Chicago, like many cities, was built by immigrants. Our ancestors build this city—we can do it again.
What’s one thing would you do to improve your neighborhood or the city as a whole?
I believe Chicagoans should be nicer to each other. Kindness.
When people learn you’re from Chicago, how do they respond and what’s your reaction?
I think people are interested. They’ve heard a lot about it. I think about what I look for in a place when I choose a destination to travel to and then think about what’s appealing to tourists coming to Chicago. I think the big buildings are a huge draw.
When you feel overwhelmed or need a mental escape but can’t leave the city, where do you go to clear your mind?
Wicker Park—the park. It reminds me of my childhood. It brings me peace. Chicago has some really pretty parks. I like to sit by the fountain. I think about the changes within the city and the changes within myself.
What’s something you’re curious about recently?
Dirt. I recently got into gardening and plants. This last summer I took a sustainability and gardening class, and there’s so much to learn. Soil. It depends on the plant and what it needs.
Within the past five years, what personal realization has improved your outlook on life the most?
You can’t be perfect. Life is hard and you don’t always accomplish everything you want to. Life isn’t just about social status or accomplishment or material things, it’s more about living in the moment. Spending time with friends and family. Being more connected and reaching out to people. Everyone is busy. You have to get out of your head a bit.
What’s something you’re excited or dream about in the future?
In May I’ll be graduating. Building my career and getting into that space. It’s something exciting and scary. I want to build a solid career within the next five years. Being in a master’s program takes up a lot of time. As school slows down, I’m excited to do more things that make me happy—and finding out what makes me happy.