Story and photos by Lucas Sindler ’26
Adulting 101 is a practical Winter Term class at MICDS that focuses on real skills students can use after graduation. Taught by Upper School History Teacher Zaven Nalbandian, the class uses cars as a main topic because buying and maintaining a vehicle is one of the first big responsibilities many people face. The course breaks it down into clear steps, including how to search for a used car, how to afford it, and how to handle basic maintenance.
A major part of the class is learning how to shop for a used car the smart way. Students practice finding listings online, comparing prices, and understanding what matters most, like mileage, condition, service history, and reliability. They also learn how to spot red flags, such as vague descriptions, missing records, or prices that seem too good to be true.
The class also covers affordability, which is where the “adulting” part becomes real. Students learn that the cost of a car is more than the sticker price. They talk through budgeting for gas, insurance, registration, and future repairs, and how to set limits so a car does not become a long-term financial mistake.
The course briefly connects these same skills to housing by touching on how to search for apartments. Students discuss what to look for in a listing, what questions to ask, and how costs like rent, utilities, and deposits can add up quickly if you do not plan ahead.
Students also build confidence with basic maintenance, including changing a tire, checking and changing oil, and knowing when an issue is small versus when it is time to go to a professional. In an interview, student Parker Cabbabe ’29 said he believes the class is “fun and interesting,” and that it is also “teaching many critical skills for life.”
Overall, Adulting 101 is designed to make responsibilities feel more manageable. By the end of the course, success is not being a mechanic or a car expert. It is being able to make smart choices, understand real costs, and handle the basics with confidence.