McKenna Howenstine|Marlin Chronicle
Joy “Shortbed” Bowden is a senior Business major. A certified Scrum Master and future project manager, she is passionate about teamwork, clear communication and servant leadership. When not studying or commuting between home and campus, she can be found puttering around the yard with her inseparable sidekicks — Donkey, a mini donkey, and Skunk, a german shepherd — two loyal (and occasionally jealous) companions who happen to be nearly the same height.
Joy Boyden | Courtesy
As many of you know, commuter life at Virginia Wesleyan is not for the faint of
heart — especially when you are clocking over 50 miles one way. But whether you are
driving 50 miles or five, with the right tricks up your hoodie sleeve, it is not just doable — it
can be downright cozy.
Tip #1: Turn Your Vehicle into a Mobile Apartment. My truck? It is not just transportation. It is a second home. My dorm room if you will. Over the last year, I have stocked it with a sunshade for the warmer days (and added privacy), a favorite blanket, a small pillow, snacks and a coral pink Titan cooler with a removable bucket that I freeze water in overnight (no more buying ice!).
Tip #2: Never Study On Campus Without Coffee Again. The real MVP, though, is my soft sided lunch bag turned Mobile Coffee Station. Inside: a light plastic reusable coffee cup (from Starbuck’s), powdered dry creamer, ground coffee (from home), reusable K-cups, a small measuring spoon, sweeteners, tea bags and even a chopstick for stirring. With Keurigs in nearly every building, I never have to wander far for caffeine.
But, my fellow commuters, it is important that we respect faculty spaces. Always clean
up, say thank you and give back if you can by leaving the spaces cleaner than you
found them. I personally like to leave behind things I use for others in our community
like maybe some Lipton tea (for variety), sweetener packets, etc. — as a quiet thank-you,
and to pay it forward. I also like to tidy up a bit when it needs it.
(PS: Have you found those surprise chocolates some professors leave out?
Magical on days you forget everything at home.)
Tip #3: Master the “Girl Dinner” Lunch Strategy. Personally I like to pack my meals in leak-proof, divided containers with two or three sections. Think: healthy nibbles, protein, something crunchy. The portable meals are easy to eat between classes, or on the go. Sometimes it’s a full lunch; other times it’s a commuter-style snack board. Either way, I stay fueled without needing to buy food on campus or stop what I am doing to load everything up in my truck for a 7-11 run.
More tips are coming — but these three? They have been game changers that have also been budget savers over the last 12+ months.
By Joy Boyden
