Also live in Tennessee and I'm new to commuting, so understand.
The hills around here may be easy for most, but coming from Nebraska, they are pretty hard to do at first.
I also ride a hard tail with an old non-locking fork.
Starting my 3rd month and things are getting easier except the one steep hill as you enter the city from the west.
Was embarrassed at first walking my bike up this hill with so many people around.
Now, it's still the worst part of my commute, but every trip I get a little better.
Agree that doing hills on your days off helps.