After four long years I'm finally done with art school! You wouldn't think an art education would be such a hard thing but I've had some of the toughest teachers I've ever had. Now I have a portfolio of artwork that I am very proud of but unfortunately my financial portfolio isn't in such good shape. I saw one of my advisors who handed me some bankruptcy information after explaining the amount of debts I've accumulated while studying here. From the very beginning my teachers recommended I start off with those cheap oil paints for beginners but I wanted to work with quality materials. The difference in quality is really apparent and I figure if you're going to learn something you may as well do it right. I didn't want to take any shortcuts. All my teachers were obviously impressed. They thought the fact that I would start with all professional materials showed a confidence in my abilities that they weren't seeing in many of the other students. I guess most of them assumed I came from a wealthy background but I had to work three minimum wage jobs to be able to afford everything. I had to take the lower paying jobs to be able to fit the work around my classes. They had no idea. I really tried my best not to accumulate debt. My parents always told me that it is better when you don't owe anyone anything. I feel the same!