What you do for a living: I was recently promoted to head of lifeguards and first aid at Goldfish Swim School here in Park Ridge. To think I started this job as a swim instructor my sophomore year of high school at Maine South and now, as a freshman in college, it’s insane to think about and I’m so lucky to have this opportunity. Being able to help so many children become a little more confident in themselves while learning a lifesaving skill has been such a fun job and an honor to be a part of. Not only are the relationships between me and my swimmers amazing, but I’ve met so many incredible parents living in the community as well. I’m just really lucky to be able to do this.

How long you’ve lived here: I was born and raised in Park Ridge and wouldn’t change it for the world. At the age of 18, I think I can say I know Park Ridge pretty well. It’s such a tight, friendly group you grow up with and graduate high school with. My graduating class last year was filled with people I met in elementary and middle school, and to see them walk the stage really felt like a full-circle moment.

The Taste of Park Ridge

What you like best about Park Ridge: My favorite thing about living here I have to say is the Taste of Park Ridge. The time in the summer where everyone just gets to be outside, walking around Uptown and getting food for hours while listening to a live band. Can’t get much better than that. My favorite thing is bringing people who don’t live around there and having them try food from everywhere they haven’t been. The food and restaurants that come and support that event are just incredible, and the people there make it an amazing time.

The best meal I’ve had recently is a chicken platter from a restaurant called NYC Halal Eats in Niles right by Golf Mill. It’s such a cute little place. The platter had chicken and rice with a salad, and this amazing sauce to top it off.

Best meal you’ve had recently: I don’t really eat red meat, so finding the best chicken places nearby is always a mission. Most recently, the best meal I’ve had is a chicken platter from a restaurant called NYC Halal Eats in Niles right by Golf Mill. It’s such a cute little place. The platter had chicken and rice with a salad, cabbage and this amazing sauce to top it off. They genuinely have something everyone would enjoy.

Mully’s Grill gyro

Favorite restaurant in the area: Mully’s Grill here in Park Ridge has become a fan favorite in the household. It’s only been open for a little over a year, but their burgers and gyros are regular orders when we’re catering at the house. With input from the parents, their date nights have always been a good night.

Best place to catch the game: My household is full of big sports fans, and we’ve grown up going to cheer on all the Chicago teams. Specifically, we’re big Cubs fans, and a good place to always catch the game is over at Firewater Saloon in Edison Park. It’s a place where everyone in the community kind of gathers, and even if you’re not of age, you can have a great time just being around everyone.

Chicago Ramen in Park Ridge

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Right off of Oakton on Busse Highway, there’s a little ramen place called Chicago Ramen. If you’ve lived in the area for a while, you probably knew this space as the former home of Frosty Penguin, but now it’s got incredible dishes like egg rolls, dumplings and, my favorite, the chicken bowl. Highly recommend!

A perfect night would include some country music at a concert and getting some food outside. Whether it’s the free concerts at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park or at Allstate Arena, it’s always a good time.

A great night out with friends usually includes… just driving around, listening to music, being with the people you want to be with. No specific location or destination, but always just being with your friends makes for a good night. Honestly, staying at the house for poker night is fun too.

Mountain View Adventure Center in Des Plaines

The best way to spend a Saturday in the spring: A perfect night would include some country music at a concert and getting some food outside. Whether it’s the free concerts at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park or at Allstate Arena, it’s always a good time. And if not a concert, I’ll be playing mini golf with anyone who wants to join. My favorite spot is Mountain View Adventure Center in Des Plaines. Beautiful views with so many activities for people of all ages.

What’s something you look forward to every spring?
I always get excited for St. Patrick’s Day, going downtown Chicago and looking at the Chicago River and Lake Michigan obviously. With train stations running all through Park Ridge, transportation is so simple and super safe. You feel like it’s a community party.

Favorite local store or best shopping area: The best store to shop at is Trader Joe’s. They have the best deals and honestly, in my opinion, really great tasting food. With me being in college and working, the cheapest food is always the best option, and with so many items tasting amazing and being pretty healthy, it’s worth the extra 10 minutes to make it instead of buying it.

Secret spot: For me, I love finding places with good sweet treats and making my friends try them. Straw & Bubbles Tea Bar in Mt. Prospect has amazing boba and also the best fruity desserts you can imagine. They’re like a caramelized light waffle with fruit cream on top.

Enchanted Castle in Lombard has something for kids of all ages to be able to entertain themselves: go-karts, bumper cars, arcade games, bowling, mini-putt, laser tag, etc. They offer food and drinks too, so it’s easy to stay the whole day.

Underrated activity in the area: Going to the movie theater. With everything being on streaming platforms or online now, people don’t feel the need to actually have to go to a theater and sit down to watch a movie. With my household being a Star Wars family, I remember going to the Pickwick Theater every Christmas to watch the new movie in the series, and it was always the best tradition.

Enchanted Castle laser tag

Weekend getaway spot: If I have the weekend off, a perfect getaway for me is visiting my friends in college. Going on a nice little drive to experience different campuses and get that little view of a college life is so much fun. I’ve only done it a couple times, but the times that I have were amazing. Also, when my siblings and I were younger, Enchanted Castle was the place to go. It’s about a 30-minute drive away down in Lombard, but this place has something for kids of all ages to be able to entertain themselves: go-karts, bumper cars, arcade games, bowling, mini-putt, laser tag, etc. They offer food and drinks too, so it’s easy to stay the whole day. I can safely say that, even as a young adult now, I would go back there and have still have the time of my life.

What have you heard great things about but have yet to try?
I’ve never been the person who was afraid of heights — or anything for that matter. So obviously with my grandfather and uncle both being prior skydivers, I’ve always wanted to try it. I’ve heard so many stories from them, and crazy interactions they’ve had, that I just really want to try it now.