Chicago's weather varies a lot from -30C to +40C. This is not to psyche you but be prepared for the worst. Typically the temperatures might range from -20C to +40C.
You will gradually get acclimatized to the weather as others. Hence nothing to worry. More.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.