Michel Schwartz
Bio
My current day job is working in a service department of a large non-profit. My education is in journalism. My passion is bringing a voice to the community. Every experience I've had brought me to here: a contributing microcosm of society.
Stories (7)
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Sunshine Pages
In September of 1988, my freshman year of high school, I was introduced to the term, "Information Superhighway." Back then, it was promised that by the year 2000, everyone would have access to electronic communication and paper would prove to be obsolete. Yet today, in a time of turmoil, I am coming across several sects of Chicagoans that, for whatever reason, don't have access to some life-saving resources and many continue to fall through the cracks. Who, you might ask, could possibly not have internet access in this day and age? Senior citizens, homeless individuals, those with mental illness or substance abuse issues, and people who just can't afford it.
By Michel Schwartz5 years ago in Longevity
I Don't Even Know Her Name
A few months ago, a young whimper snapper dared to give me a senior discount. It was an innocent mistake, maybe a kind gesture, but, at 45 years old, I was indignant. I didn’t yell but my sneer was heard by her manager. I didn’t mean to make her cry.
By Michel Schwartz6 years ago in Journal
She didn't get the memo
I spend a lot of time on my balcony these days. From my "penthouse" condo. I get to mark the months by the switching out of the billboard, watch the sunset and the sunrise color each day no matter the season, no matter what is going on in my life or in the world, see the beautiful skyline, a beacon of stability, watch every firework display on Fourth of July or New Year's Eve without being stuck in crowds or worrying how I would get home. I also watch people stand at the bus stop waiting to pay two dollars and twenty-five cents to get on a crowded bus to go to work each morning. The numbers of those at the bus stop are getting smaller and the buses aren't nearly as crowded these days.
By Michel Schwartz6 years ago in Humans
Angel of Miracles
April 20, 2008: “I got your blood test results from the physical I gave you last week. After watching your white blood cell count rise the past few months, I need you to make an appointment with Anne Mellott. She’s a hematologist/oncologist …” The squirrel cage runs in my head. Let’s see: Hema-. That’s blood. Oncologist. That’s cancer. Blood … cancer … blood …. cancer. Where have I heard that combination before? DAD. “Wait a minute,” I said to the doctor. “Do you think I’ve got leukemia?” A pregnant pause. “Yes,” she said.
By Michel Schwartz6 years ago in Longevity
You Make A Difference
I'm going to miss my view. As a privileged person, the only sacrifice I am really making is I will lose the beautiful view from my balcony. A few weeks ago, a local webzine published a fluff piece about the plan to replace the building across the street from me with a five story rental building ($2000/m rent) and commercial space on the first floor along with enclosed parking. In the article, it stated that residents can bring concerns to an aldermanic meeting two days later. Jimmy's Pizza, a neighborhood staple located in the building in question stated at said meeting that the article was the first they heard of the plan. The alderman was shocked and told the developer to go back to the drawing board in response to Jimmy's concerns. Jimmy's has great New York style pizza and beignets. The establishment employs several neighbors and delivers to residents of the area.
By Michel Schwartz6 years ago in The Swamp
