Karina C. from Las Vegas, NV was the winner of the Propeller experience to "Win a VIP Trip to See The Lumineers at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Labor Day Weekend" that took place in September 2022. Below is his recap of the experience.
This experience was so much more than I could have imagined. Thank you so much for making it all possible for me. This trip was so special for so many reasons. I haven't really been out of Vegas in my entire life, but it's always been my dream to travel. It's safe to say this was a dream come true.
One of my very best friends in the entire world actually lives in Chicago. She's been my internet friend for a few years now, and our friend group tried meeting up this year - but it didn't work out. Winning this trip was so exciting because we also realized we would get to meet for the first time ever - a moment we had only ever dreamed of. This trip gave Katey and I an opportunity to meet, and hang out for the first time ever.
Friday afternoon, after flying in, we went straight to millennium park and enjoyed locations such as cloud gate with Katey, my dad, and her mom. It was so cool and exciting. My dad and I were absolutely blown away by Chicago's beauty. We also got to go see Navy Pier, an iconic location in Chicago. I had a blast. I have never experienced anything like this in my entire life. I'm the kind of person that will freak out over a pretty leaf, so experiencing all of these locations was almost too much for my brain to take in (in a good way)! Our hotel was less than a mile away from both of these popular locations. We had a wonderful view from the hotel, and enjoyed our stay.
The following day was concert day. However, we first met up again with Katey, my best friend, and her mom. We went to Lincoln Park and enjoyed the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Going to a Conservatory has been on my bucket list. This place was free and completely beautiful. Once again, I couldn't believe what I was experiencing. Because of living in the desert, I've seen very little green. I was happier than I could've imagined, but our adventures didn't end there. Within a short walk from the conservatory, we got to go to the Lincoln Park Zoo (also free). My dad and I were completely amazed. The Zoo is stunning, and we got to experience so many animals we have never seen before. I also got to call my younger siblings and include them in the experience as much as possible. It was incredible. There was not a second where I was bored, unhappy, or anything other than overwhelmingly happy.
Next, we got to go to the show. I have no words to describe my experience. The Lumineers are really important to me. Their music is magic and has had a major impact in my life. Anyone who knows me knows how in love I am with their art. Sleep On The Floor is my soul song and has been such a big inspiration in my life. I also love their storytelling, and the various different issues they touch on through their music. They make me feel so alive, and before this year, it was only ever a dream to be able to see them live. It had been on my bucket list for so long, and the concert at Wrigley Field was indescribably magnificent.
I really wanted to be in the back of the pit to be able to get an up-close perspective of both stages. I was able to secure my spot, and had the best time. I was so close, I was touching the stage - and could not believe my view. I danced my heart out and sang every single lyric (my voice was gone). This was the last show of their North American tour, as well as their biggest. This was such a special moment for the band, and it was cool to get to share the feeling of being in awe together.
It meant everything to me to be able to participate in this contest. I really value, and find it necessary, to be active in helping your community through various social issues. Being able to see one of my absolute favorite bands support such an important cause meant everything to me. I loved being able to be a part of helping them raise support for planned parenthood. Despite my thousands of entries, I still had a small chance of winning - so I never thought this would actually happen. It all felt so much like a dream, I will never forget this.
This also meant so much to my family. My dad works endlessly and has never really been on vacation in his entire life. Being able to bring him on this trip was one of the most special moments of my life. I got to see him relax, and I saw his inner child get excited at things like looking out of the airplane, and animals at the zoo. I never thought I'd be able to give my parents this opportunity, but I am seriously so grateful. My entire family was so excited to see my dad go on a trip, and he enjoyed every second of it as well.
During the trip, I was taking everything in. But once I got home and gathered everything together, I cried so much. I am so so grateful. I never want to forget this. This was one of the most magical moments of my life. I can't believe I got to experience this, it feels like less than a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thank you, Hannah, and everyone at Propeller. I really appreciate what you guys do as a company. As I was working on raising points, I was able to learn about so many different issues and charities I had never heard of before. I fell in love with the fact that Propeller makes advocacy so accessible. It's so easy to sign petitions, stay informed on issues, donate, and learn about new social issues because of Propeller. I hope more people learn about you guys and use your platform to do good. Thank you once again, I will treasure this forever.
-Karina C.
