From Nashville, TN to Miami, FL: Lessons Learned

Growing up in a small, private school in Nashville, Tennessee, where community was accessible and tight-knit, to now existing in the colorful, international hub of Miami, FL, this transition provided a transformation of self. I learned how to think for myself, adapt to new environments, and embrace independence, whether that be in thought process or in the physical environment.

1. Breaking Away from Groupthink: Contrasting Nashville to Miami, cultural diversity was not a key experience I grew up around, which caused a lack of exposure to other trains-of-thought. Being in an environment that often held the same beliefs, I was never challenged to think outside of them; therefore, I never had to develop a true argument for why I based my perspective on them. Transitioning to Miami, I finally experienced diversity in belief systems, where I had to defend my perspective for the first time in my life. In doing this, I discovered both areas that needed further exploration in addition to areas that became solidified for myself amongst debate. Ultimately, I can now stand confident on my perspective as this transformation allowed me to grapple with my thought process and bolster it with evidence in the face of differences.

2. Adapting to the Unknown: Adapting to the unfamiliar meant often learning how to face it alone, which developed my ability to find comfort in independence. Echoing my first point, being away from the familiar environment of home and school in Nashville was both liberating and challenging. Navigating new environments, cultural norms, and academic challenges required a willingness to embrace change and learn from new experiences.

Overall, the transition from growing up in my small environment of Nashville to attending college in Miami was a transformative journey filled with valuable lessons in diversity, independence, and adaptability.