A Nashville Party

Urban Dictionary defines a "Nashville Party" as: A phrase used to describe a lame party where nothing happens. It is used by Miley Cyrus in "Party in the USA" to contrast LA parties with lame, horrible, boring, Nashville ones.

But I have to disagree with Miley, as I do on pretty much everything.

Living in Music City has been incredible. For me, it's been a refreshing change. Something about it is just what I needed. It's the perfect grown-up city for an almost-grown-up. It has a big-city feel, great food, remarkable music, and plenty of southern charm. Also, this city slightly relieves my upcoming-post-grad anxiety because it seems there are plenty of job opportunities to take hold of. I could definitely see myself having a career here one day. Nashville is a party, and I am just lucky enough to be invited.

I think everywhere that I have gone in the last year has significantly impacted how I view my life and my future. Going abroad taught me more than I can write--but above all, it taught me that you grow most when you step outside your comfort zone. Going to the University of Tennessee Knoxville has taught me that "jumping through the hoops" is a necessity, but you should definitely be having fun while doing it.

But Nashville... there's just something special about this city. Maybe it's just the timing of it all, but living here and working at the Tennessee Legislature has taught me that "the real world" is not something that follows graduation. It's something that we live in every day, and we should embrace it. Not only should we embrace it, but we should actively engage in it.

Eat. Drink. Dance. Sing. Work. Play. Vote.

Nashville is a party, but it's not THE party. Life is. So participate and enjoy.