William

How long have you lived in North Chicago?

About six years.

What’s the best thing about living in North Chicago?

There are three parks close to where I live. That’s where I hang out with my friends.

Your dad is here with you today. What three words do you think he would use to describe you?

Joyful, creative, kind.

Which one of those words means the most to you?

Kindness. There’s just not enough kindness in the world.

What’s an example of you being creative?

I fix stuff. I build stuff. I built a wooden car.

What’s the last thing you made that you were really proud of, something you were excited to show and share with others?

An infinity scarf.

How did you make that? Did you knit it? Was the scarf for yourself or for someone else?

It was for me. Yes, I know how to knit. I used to do it every day.

Do any of your friends know how to make stuff, like cars and scarves?

Nah. They don’t even know how to cook.

Wait. You cook, too?

Yeah. And I know how to do the laundry. And clean.

What’s something you don’t know how to do that you’d like to learn?

Drive a car. It has to be easy; I know how to drive a tractor. I learned, working in my dad’s garden.

Finish this sentence: To me, North Chicago is…

A beautiful place.

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This conversation has been edited and condensed.