A Playlist and a Story

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I moved around a few times when I was really young, but I lived in a small town in Wisconsin for about 10 years before leaving for college. The school I chose was also a part of pretty small community, so moving to Chicago last year was definitely a big step for me. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on May 10, 2009. In true college fashion, I spent the following two weeks in Spain visiting a friend and generally enjoying my newly found freedom. On May 26, 2010, I began my internship in Chicago and officially took my first steps into the adult world.

My playlist consists of 13 songs each of which reminds me of one of the 13 months I’ve spent in Chicago thus far, the first 13 months of my “grown-up” life.

Carolina In My Mind by UNC Clef Hangers (May).

This one is probably pretty obvious. My first few days back from Spain and in Chicago, I was incredibly homesick for North Carolina.

I’m Movin’ On by Rascal Flatts (June).

There’s really only one line in this song that gets me every time and I listened to like a mantra during my first full month in Chicago and as an intern: “I never dreamed home would end up where I don’t belong. I’m movin’ on.”

Mamma Mia by ABBA (July).

After getting settled into life back in the Midwest, I found an old favorite and it spoke to me. “Why, why did I ever let you go?”

All The Above by Maino (August).

My new friends in Chicago loved this song and thus became an anthem for my new life in Chicago.

Never Let You Go by Third Eye Blind (September).

I spent a lot of time in September at my parent’s house in Wisconsin. I missed my old friends and my old life to some extent. This was a good reminder of my childhood and reminded me I’d never completely let go.

Bring It All Back by S Club 7 (October).

For me, October brought a renewed sense of focus. I don’t remember what it was, but I felt a drive to push myself farther. I was still searching for a full-time gig, and I kicked it into high gear.

Captain Kirk by Bob Schneider (November).

This song has been one of my favorites for the longest time, and the first line was perfect for November: “I wanna be like Captain Kirk, get up every day and love to go to work.” I was offered my first grown-up job on November 6, 2009.

Technologic by Daft Punk (December).

Definitely a cheesy, obvious choice, but December was my first full month working at Edelman Digital. I was thrown head first into the digital world and it was overwhelming but exhilarating.

Daddy’s Little Girl by Michael Buble (January).

I don’t know that I can explain this one except to say I fell in love with this song in January and decided to have it played at my wedding. Do I need a better reason?

Fireflies by Owl City (February).

My first winter in Chicago. My first time seeing this gorgeous city in the snow, and I really wanted to believe that this Earth could move just a little bit slower.

I Never Told You by Colbie Calliat (March).

In March, I ended a long-term relationship. It was incredibly difficult, and there were plenty of things I didn’t get the chance to say.

Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall (April).

It’s hard to articulate, but in April I felt hopeful. I felt empowered. This song was a great tune to walk to work with in the big city.

Getting Better by Bob Schneider (May).

Another of my long-time favorites, this song just makes me smile. And this month has just made me smile. I’ve had some great wins at work and have discovered how much love I have in my life. “It’s a big beautiful day, nothin’ standin’ in my way.

I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2009, and I immediately moved to Chicago to start a media analysis internship. I began my first official “big girl” job in November as an assistant account executive for Edelman Digital. Social media and measurement geek is the best way to describe me. You can read more about Rebecca here, and follow her on Twitter here.