My Story (Part of It)

Several years ago, I graduated from a Small University with a degree in Computer Science.  I moved to Maryland and started working at Government Place with my shiny new degree, and I actually upgraded to a Masters Degree (also in Computer Science) from Big University.  Life was good, but I started to notice that I would come home from work and spend the entire evening quilting.  In fact, I was thinking about quilting during the day, and I could not wait to get home and start quilting again. 

It just so happens that Government Place had a gallery in one of the main employee areas, and it welcomed its employees to put up their work for a month at a time.  I signed up for a month, and spent even more time putting together a series of quilts.  I had 21 pieces in my show (these weren't full bed size-- they were mostly crib sized) and I sold several of them.  I was quite impressed that strangers were willing to pay a fair amount of money for something I made. 

This success really made me yearn for something more.  My job was interesting, and I was good at it, but it just wasn't satisfying enough.  Life events (meeting a boy, falling in love, having a long-distance relationship) caused me to move to Princeton, and I found a new job at Medium Sized Company. This job was new and interesting, and that yearning for something more quieted a bit.  Of course, as the newness wore off the yearning came back. I began idly talking about someday going to art school.

Last summer my friend A asked me why I didn't just start now.  Seize the moment, and all that.  I started looking at programs in the area, and ran across Art Therapy.  It's a mix of psychology and art.  I went home and told my boyfriend that I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I think that art alone wasn't enough for me to take the next step, but this therapy element was exactly what I needed.  I could still work with people.  I could make a positive difference.

I started taking psychology classes at Local University.  I got more into the subject the more I learned about it -- a very good sign.  When it came time to apply to schools I was nervous.  I had the psych credits all tied up, but the only art experience I had was what I had done on my own.  With some encouragement from David, I went for it. 

A couple of weeks ago I had an interview.  I was terrified of two things: a) I would be rejected b) I would be accepted.  It didn't seem like there was any way out of being terrified, here.  In fact, there was a third option.  They really liked me.  They exclaimed over my portfolio (yay, real artists liked my stuff). They said I needed more art credits. Maybe I should defer for a year and catch up on those?

As soon as this was suggested, it sounded like the perfect option for me.  I'll have another year to decide if this is what I really want to do. I'll get to take art classes and enjoy myself.  The only drawback is that I can't get started on this new venture right away, but the truth is that I'm not quite ready.

I promised I'd tell this story when I had an ending, and I got a rejection letter in the mail on Monday.  It stung a little bit, even though it makes perfect logical sense.  Truthfully, it's not an ending to this story.  It's a preface to next year's story.

Comments

[tiennie]

Good for you! You should definitely pursue it now when you can study w/o babies to take care of. Follow your bliss.

[Mintyfresh]

A rejection now doesn't mean a rejection in a year--definitely take the time to think about it more. Best of luck with whatever you decide! Was it the program at Drexel?

[Brenda]

An excellent story. I think taking the art classes is a good idea both for your future schooling and for newly engaged person. I am very intrigued by the idea of art therapy as a discipline. I have a desk calendar called Quilt Art 2007, and next week's pictured quilt was inspired by a "difficult and thoughtful period in the quilter's life" and it is so beautiful and alive, that I have to think it was therapeutic for the quilter.

[Sacha]

If you want it, go for it.

One rejection letter means nothing. ;)

[stacey]

like you said - you have a year to get the art thing going and really develop yourself so you are a shoe in next year!!! what an interesting profession - sounds like it's right up your alley!

[yarngineer]

Thanks for telling your story. I am currently a person who is trying to figure out their bliss. It is a little daunting and I understand the fear of being rejected or being accepted.

Honestly, I think they told you to take Art Classes to make you a stronger candidate, and you should reapply next year after you do some more art classes. Your work will greatly benefit from some formal art instruction. It will give you insight into why you design things the way you do. I had an art teacher help me with that once in a jewelry class. You may also consider an art history class.

[Sara Payne]

I know what it's like to find your passion, but have to wait to really embark on the journey. But enjoy the lead up and art classes. Enjoy the free time of not being in school. Enjoy being engaged and planning a wedding. And stop to think how lucky you are that you have found a career path your a passionate about, and a fiancee who supports your dreams and ambitions. As my husband told me when I thanked him for the billionth time for being so wonderful and supportive of my quest to follow my dreams: "Where there are dreams, they are meant to be followed."

[Megan]

What a wonderful idea! You'll be in for sure next year, and with plenty of time to prepare, and a solid foundation under you. Don't take it personally, just think how great it'll look next year when you've done what they asked and have fun new work in your portfolio from all your art classes!

[Jean]

I am so proud of you! It takes a lot of courage to go after a dream. Hang in there and remember this is just the beginning of your journey. You're doing great!

[Jessica]

Definitely sounds like now is just the beginning of this journey for you. You'll be amazed when you look back in a year and see how far you've come. I'm sure of it!

[Ariel]

What a brave and wonderful thing it is figuring out what will bring you happiness, and pursuing it. You'll be in for sure next year with the art classes under your belt!

[Nora]

One more year and you'll be living your dream! Go for it.

[Miss Scarlett]

"Truthfully, it's not an ending to this story. It's a preface to next year's story."
That is one of the best responses to a challenge I have ever read. Bravo!
In the meanwhile you have your art classes to attend, explore and grow through. I found your site through the Knitting Philistine - I will definitely be back!