Today, I sat down with Chris Michel, a senior computer engineering major and fellow vegan at Vanderbilt. After months of drooling over his jaw-dropping Instagram posts featuring homemade chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls and smoothie bowls, I was thrilled to finally talk veganism with him in person.

Chris is Vanderbilt’s peta2 campus representative. Launched by PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, in 2002, peta2 is the world’s largest youth animal rights group. You may have spotted Chris by Rand Wall handing out free vegan pumpkin spice lattes last fall, or chocolate hearts for Valentine’s Day. This Friday, he’ll be handing out vegan cheese puffs at Rand Wall. Next Friday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., catch him giving out freshly grilled Beyond Burgers, made from the revolutionary plant-based “beef” that has meat-eaters confusing it for the real thing. If you don’t think it’s possible to fool your taste buds with plants, take a chance and grab a free burger by the Wall.

I was very glad that Chris reminded me of a few other awesome events coming up this month. The legendary Chef Chloe Coscarelli, one of last year’s Forbes 30 under 30, will be gracing Vanderbilt’s campus on April 10th from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Sarratt Cinema. Tickets for Vanderbilt members are $5 and $10 for general admission. VIVA, the Vanderbilt Initiative for Veg. Awareness, will be hosting the event and donating all proceeds to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Ms. Coscarelli will be sharing her experiences as a world-renowned vegan chef, signing copies of her new book and enjoying some delicious catered food from The Wild Cow with all those attending. Tickets are being sold at the Sarratt Box Office and online at: http://www.vandyviva.myevent.com/3/online_payment.htm.

I know, you couldn’t possibly need anything else to be excited about when it comes to local veggie-related activities. That being said, the third annual Nashville Vegfest will take place on April 7th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fairgrounds. Plant-based foods, desserts, clothing and general merchandise will be offered from over 80 local and regional vendors. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bags and bottles as this will be a zero-waste event thanks to the help of Compost Nashville. All-day passes cost $11.53 and can be purchased via Nashville Vegfest’s Facebook event.

Maybe after all of this excitement, you’re just craving some Hot Chick’n. Or some biscuits and gravy? Maybe a huge cinnamon bun? For the past few years, The Southern V, a black-owned family business, has been serving their famous plant-based soul food to-go, only on the weekends, through the window of a tiny blue shop. After much anticipation, they’ve just announced their Grand Re-Opening will be on April 20th. The new full-service restaurant on Buchanan Street will accompany a handful of other black-owned businesses thriving in North Nashville.

In my overwhelming fit of excitement for these upcoming veggie events, I asked Chris why we should be so excited about these events. He left me with a few sage words: “It’s important to be conscious of the impacts of your daily life. It’s not about being perfect, just being aware.” While you’re busy being aware, follow him on Instagram @chris24michel for some of that drool-worthy, cruelty-free food porn I mentioned earlier.