Moving to Chicago was a huge change. To be honest, a much needed one. Life in Los Angeles felt a little like it was on loop. Same sprawling LA skyline, same weather forecast year round, same trendy juice bar. I was bored. While there’s a lot more behind the move (explained here), change was definitely a factor!
I’ve been in Chicago for a little over a month and there’s no perfect way for me to describe it. It’s like falling in love while also being so disoriented that chaos somehow becomes zen. Sooo basically like falling in love! Nothing is familiar, nothing is where you think it is but it’s so exciting none of that matters.
One of the things I was looking forward to most was not driving. When Matt and I were looking for apartments, I wanted to be able to walk to work. So I sold my car and am loving the lack of red brake lights on my daily commute. While liberating, I’d be lying if I said you can do everything without a car.
I definitely called an Uber my first week of work. Not wanting to get lost and show up late my first day, I played it safe. My experiences with Uber partners have been amazing so far in Chicago. Definitely different than LA, every single individual has been so friendly. But there’s one that stood out to me more the rest. She happens to have the highest rating on Uber and I can see why!
Meet Faith. Her story is heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time. We met for coffee at Asado Coffee Roasters (a coffee shop I had heard about before moving). I don’t think I’ve ever come across a more inspiring #girlboss!
Faith spent 8 years living on the streets of Chicago. As she was telling me about her struggle, I was listening in pure disbelief. There was no way this fabulous girl could have been homeless! But as she went on, I started to see how that has shaped her into who she is today.
She learned about Uber from a friend – skeptical at first, she gave it a try by borrowing her friend’s car to drive. She set a rigid schedule for herself (only one day a week off), quickly forming a strategy. Faith saved up enough to get her own apartment after just a few months – that is one amazing feat! Uber’s Vehicle Solutions program made it possible for Faith to lease a car. With other Uber perks, she’s built a life for herself in less than 2 years and she’s motivated for more. She’s played therapist to countless riders while getting them safely to their destination. As a huge advocate for helping Chicago’s homeless, she stays very active in the community especially with her fellow female Uber partners! More fun facts:
- Wicker Park and Wrigleyville are her favorite neighborhoods of Chicago.
- Her favorite part about working for Uber is getting to meet so many different people!
- One day, she wants to open a mobile domestic shelter to help less fortunate females in the city.
- If you’re first visiting Chicago, hop in an Uber and head to Portillo’s or go for deep dish pizza.
In her spare time, Faith gives back to the homeless on her own. She buys McDonald’s gift cards and hands them out so pevoke can get a hot cup of coffee. Her message is that the homeless are people too and is on a mission to let them know they have opportunities too.
While I’m still brainstorming ideas on how I can help more, sharing Faith’s incredible story is a start. Here’s a woman who completely turned her life around on her own! She made up her mind, determined to change her future and she did it. Using Uber as a tool to make the impossible possible, she’s an inspiration to us all.
Few can understand Faith’s hardships (myself included) and meeting her put my life in perspective. To me, her story speaks to an overarching theme for Uber – one of possibility. It’s not just about efficient airport transportation or a safe ride home from Wrigleyville after celebrating a Cubs World Series win a little too hard. Think about the other side too. Uber is evolving how people move. They’ve opened up opportunities for both drivers and riders to make cities more accessible, life more accessible. That’s why I take Uber. Whether you’re coming or going, Uber makes it possible and has become a central part of our lives. In a purely grammatical sense, Uber the word has now a verb. Have you ever said “I’ll Uber it”? I rest my case.
Whether you’re a first time rider or driver, sign up to be a part of this. Faith has one piece of advice for you: don’t be afraid to push the button! How does Faith’s story change your perception of Uber? How have you used Uber?
Faith was telling me she loved to take selfies so in her honor!
*This post was sponsored by Uber but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Uber is such a great service, and what a great idea to take it your first week of work! Faith sounds like an awesome gal, and someone I would feel safe with behind the wheel!
Lawren
http://www.saltwaterandstilettos.com
Such a great post, Jenna! I personally love Uber! It’s a cheaper alternative to taking a cab in the city! You are such a beauty, inside and out! See you Fr!
Happy Monday, love!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Glad you are loving Chicago so far! I love Uber too, so convienent!
This is so crazy because I’ve always felt like uber drivers have been some of the most amazing people I’ve met. I love uber so much because of the people and their stories and faith is no exception here! She seems incredible.
Thank you for introducing her to us and for shedding light on this amazing point!!!
Amazing post! :)
Xoxo
Krista
http://Www.hundredblog.com
Wow. Thank you for sharing Faith’s story! She is an inspiration!
By Lauren M
I love the idea of Uber as a service and I’ve always heard such great things about it, unfortunately it’s a raging debate here in Vancouver and we don’t have it here. Glad that you were able to move to somewhere like Chicago that made you happier! Chicago is on my bucket list of places to visit… my Husband is all about the food there lol!
Ellie
http://Www.Maplesyrupandteacups.blogspot.com
Such a sweet and inspiring story. I have goosebumps from reading. I love striking up conversations with my Uber drivers and have truly met some amazing people. I love this post. YOU GO, FAITH! I hope that Chicago is everything for you!
Such a great post Jenna!!! we dont have uber in Canada but every time I’m in the usa i use it!
https://xoxobella.com
This is such a neat story and kudos to you for making such a big life change! I love Chi and always wished we would have moved there a few years ago when we weren’t so settled in Omaha!
Okay, this is seriously a great story and so inspiring! We take Uber on the regular and I always love hearing the drivers stories.There have been a few that thoroughly impress me. Also, so jealous of your move to Chicago. I’m constantly dropping hints to my husband that we need to move there, buuuut he isn’t buying it.
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
I took an Uber for the first time today and heard a similar story. It’s amazing how this “job” is helping people get back on their feet and make positive changes in their lives.
Reading your blog is a kind of enjoyment.Thank you!
https://stuartweitzman.appanageinvestments.com/
Chicago seems like an amazing place to live! And I love Uber. Such an awesome concept!
I have had so many great experiences with uber! They’re seriously the best, and everyone is always so nice!
xoxo,
Bailey
Here’s The Skinny
@baileyschwartz
Love this post! And I always love meeting my Uber drivers.
cristin | http://www.thesouthernstyleguide.com
I am in San Francisco, a Uber and public transportation reliant city. I actually have not taken uber yet in my two and a half years here! Haha. I’m a bus gal I guess. Lol.
But, when the day comes I’m downloading uber onto my phone so I can get the new user discount.
I’ve never used Uber because where I used to live all you heard were horror stories of people getting mugged and assaulted. It’s nice to hear such an uplifting story of how this woman changed her life around. I’m so happy for her and I loved reading this. More people should stop and realize that there are others out there that are less fortunate who need help. Great post!
Uber is a great opportunity for those who want to make a good income! I admire their stories and dedication into letting people have these experiences. I’m in Chicago too but it really doesn’t make sense for me to drive anywhere when the transit system is right out my door and everything is pretty much walkable., so I’ve never personally used it. But I love when friends can get to us from further away using Uber or Lyft. It’s nice to see them :)
xo Mariam
http://www.thepetitebijou.com
Such a great post! I am new to Uber but love the experience so far! And what a cool gal Faith is!
XO,
Anna
http://www.blushingrosestyle.com
Love this post! I took an Uber for the first time in June and I had such an amazing driver!
Xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
I absolutely love Uber and this is SUCH an amazing story that you shared!!! I always love the drivers!
How great is this! Love using Uber, especially for big cities
The blog is great!Want to try them all.
https://www.timberlandonline.store
Loved this post! Glad you are settling in, and loved this personal Uber story!
xoxo Mandy
http://www.sparkleshinylove.com
Loved reading this post! Thank you for sharing!! I love Uber, too! :)
I live in Houston and am the same way! It’s sometimes so much more difficult to drive and park in such a big city! Uber is the best!
xo,
Alice at Lone Star Looking Glass
Jenna, this is SUCH a beautiful post! I’m definitely going to be looking for Faith every time I ride from now on! (And I really appreciate reading this today, when most everything I’ve read has been so negative and sad).
-Katherine
Engineering In Style
Such a great post! I hope you have a lovely day.
https://lticonstruction.com/
Much I enjoyed reading your blog.Thanks!
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Nice post