There are life skills we all need to have: how to make eggs, how to balance a checkbook, how to change a flat tire, etc. I recently learned the hard way just how important it is to know how to change a tire. I popped a tire for the first time this week while driving. As my car was bopping up and down after the impact, I realized that I did not know how to change the tire. Thankfully, I was in my hometown and within reach of family who could help me.

My stepdad met me and my temporarily broken car. Instead of putting the spare tire on for me and going on our way, he had me do it. And for that I am very thankful. We went through each step from loosening the bolts, jacking the car, and removing the flat. If I didn’t understand something, we pulled out the car’s manual. He also gave me advice that couldn’t come from the manual, such as how to get leverage to unscrew the lug nuts.

While it may have taken longer than if he had done it himself, I was able to learn how to handle myself in that type of situation. You never know when something like a flat tire will happen. If it happens on a country road, without cellphone service, you need to be prepared. I can now say that the next time I get a flat, I will be able to handle the situation on my own. Hopefully, for the sake of my new tires, it won’t be for a long time.

If a chance comes along to pick up a useful skill, take it. You never know when it will come in handy. Even those situations can be super stressful, they help you grow. That’s what becoming an adult is all about, right.