Lessons Learned
In honor of my last few days in Nashville before heading home for a week and a half before I move in for the last time (sob), I present to you a list of just a few of the real life lessons I’ve learned this summer.
Insect Killing: Before this summer, my immediate response upon seeing a spider or other bug was, “DAD! COME GET RID OF THIS PLEASE!” Now, I just steel my nerves, grab a large amount of tissue or paper towels, and take care of it myself. I think this makes me a real adult.
Budgeting: I have 7 words for you: the meal plan is a beautiful thing. Never again will I take for granted the beauty that is those 8 meals a week and $200 of Meal Money each semester. TASTE OF NASHVILLE, I LOVE YOU. Groceries are expensive, but I made it through this summer with my bank account in the positive–thank goodness! I greatly attribute this to the obsessive meal-planning that Victoria and I did prior to each grocery store trip. No impulse buys for us!
Public Library: Speaking of budgeting–for book addicts like Victoria and myself, the library was a lifesaver this summer. The main branch of the Nashville Public Library is not only filled with thousands of books just waiting to be read; it’s also possibly the most beautiful library I’ve ever seen! Getting a library card as a college student is really easy, and they’ll also let you keep a book for longer if you’re a student using it for a paper or other project! One of the perks of having a library card is also having access to the library’s collection of ebooks to borrow!
Public Transportation: I always mention on my tours how ridiculously easy it is to use the bus system here in Nashville–and with our Commodore Cards, it’s free! Seriously, who needs a car? Not me! (Nor do I have the option of having a car here in Nashville, so it is what it is.) Victoria and I have used the bus nearly every day this summer, with minimal struggles. (I would advise individuals using Nashville MTA for the first time to arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time. Sometimes they’re early, and I wish I could say I haven’t seen the bus drive by as I’m hustling to the stop.)
Cooking: Need a quick batch of pepper spray? Just try having your roommate add red pepper flakes to a pan of hot oil while you stand nearby. We learned this one the hard way.
Baking: Baking powder is by no means a substitute for baking soda, regardless of what the internet tells you. Believe me. This is a story for another time, but just go to the store. You’ll thank me later.