In July 2011, I was one of the earliest voices online answering the call from @OccupyWallStreet on Twitter to spark a movement against economic inequality. As one of the first online Occupiers, I joined raw, electric discussions on social media, helping shape what would become Occupy Wall Street. When the call reached out Chicago, I was there, a first Occupier of Occupy Chicago, turning digital dreams into street-level reality.

We rallied outside the Federal Reserve Bank, attempted to camp in Grant Park, and filled Chicago’s streets with chants for justice. I helped organize marches, shared our story online, and felt the pulse of a movement uniting students, workers, strangers and neighbors as the 99%. Those late-night assemblies, facing arrests and skepticism, forged a community that showed the world what solidarity could do.

My journey with Occupy Chicago wasn’t just about protests—it was about belief in change. Now, through my blog, Occupy 2.5, I carry that spirit forward, blending reflections, humor, and hope for a better world. This is my story, from those first tweets to the streets of Chicago, and beyond.