Well, after a long talk with Mom and Dad last night, I think I have pretty much come to the conclusion that I'm going back to school. I do want to work in the animation field, but as yet, it doesn't look too promising, at least not right away. I lost a lot of graduation momentum taking two years off right after I left school, and my demo reel is sadly lacking for the standards that most studios require, even smaller local ones. So, at the risk of finding myself a completely unmarketable person in the world, especially in the future when a family might be involved, I have decided to study in the field of Psychology. I feel like I have certain artistic skills that could be put to good use in the world, but I also want to help people, and because of my background and history, and my interest in the amazing nature of the creation of the human mind, I think this is up my alley. I would want to study family psychology, and eventually have a degree in clinical work and therapy. (Incidentally, I had in the past considered law and medicine, but I don't know if those are really for me.) In some ways, I feel like this is a concession, giving up the dreams I've always had, but at the same time, I can't help thinking this might be a reason things aren't quite working out so far. In the arts, I've always felt I was good at a lot of things, but not really GREAT at anything. Maybe it's time to study something a little less visual... I did take the Intro to Psych class for a general requirement way back when, and really enjoyed it, I even considered continuing a little more into psychology for some electives. So, today I've been on the phone with Admissions at BYU, figuring out if a student with a BFA can go back to school before getting into a graduate program, and they said that I should be able to, all it requires is an abbreviated version of the admission application, a renewed ecclesiastical endorsement and a letter of explanation, telling why I need to go to school in between degrees, etc. They even waive the application fee for such cases! They said if you have a 3.0 and you went to BYU before, the chances are pretty good of getting back in. There are just a few prerequisites required to apply to the Psych graduate program, and if I get accepted for the post-BA status, I can start taking classes as early as Summer term this year, and maybe be done with the prerequisites by January.
So, I think that's what I might do. Yea? Nay?
I mean, really, if I could make a living singing, I would do that in an instant, but you know, I need to think about the future.
Go for it, Drew. I think it's a great idea.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good plan to me. You're a brave man. Going back to school sounds hard to me. But if it's something you enjoy, that's another story all together.
ReplyDeleteAnd for sure you can continue to do side jobs with art and animation to continue building your reel (whatever that is.) No need to turn you back on it.
(i had to say it)
ReplyDeleteYour mom goes to college.
Sounds like a plate full. If it were me in your situation I would go back in a minute. But I love school, especially BYU. And if the drawing isn't working...I like psychology too.
ReplyDeleteI love it and admire you for it! I feel about the same way about giving up my dreams. But fortunately for us, art, whether it in the form of drawings or food, isn't something you have to work in to keep enjoying. Anytime I get sad that I don't work in the field anymore, I make something elaborate, or create something new to remind myself that I still love it and I can still make the most of it.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's funny, psychology was a choice of mine way back when I was deciding what to do with my life. I think if I am like mom someday and go back to school, I'll do it too. I can't wait for you to pick all of our brains. And it will be nice, with shrinks being so expensive, to have one in the family. We all need one. Don't even try to deny it.
Good Luck!
I second Emily. And I will help you study for your tests, remember "Germain Boyfrein?" (or something like that.
ReplyDeleteGo for it. Everything will work out.
ReplyDeleteI think its a good idea. Even though it might be tough at first, if you keep in mind the reason you are wanting to go back, it really helps. Congratulations on being a strong willed person and thinking about what is best in your future. You can enjoy and do your art still, and who knows, maybe you will find yourself back to animation again. But no harm in being prepared and more educated.
ReplyDeleteYay Drew! I think you'd do awesome in psychology. It's pretty awesome that you're willing to try something new. It's amazing the way that the Lord works, I'm sure you'll be able to combine your love of art with whatever profession you end up working in.
ReplyDeleteThis is Lili speaking: I think it is a very good idea, and you should move back down to Provo as well. And then I should transfer to BYU. And we can say hello as we pass on the street, or perhaps share an order of delightful cheese sticks!
ReplyDeletecongrats drew! I just graduated in pschology and took a class on art therapy and other alternative forms of counseling...there is definitely a strong connection between the expression of art and the mind, so fascinating especially with little children!
ReplyDeletegood luck!
I admire people who go back to school, and you will be great! You should totally move down to Provo, all the cool people are doing it ;) (cause we just did)
ReplyDeletei have two things to say. one is that, for the record, i have always thought you were great (not just good) at those things, and i am very jealous of your abilities in that area. the second is good for you! i too have considered going further into psychology--that little detour my freshman year was part of what kept me from settling on my major until the end of my sophomore--and i think you'll have a lot of fun and be able to do a lot of good with it.
ReplyDeleteit makes me a little sad, drewsie... but i understand your concern... it's just doesn't provide the kind of money that is needed to support a family (in my opinion) which is why i felt okay about doing it as a woman... but i always felt bad for those guys in animation who didn't make very much money and struggled to keep their family afloat (even still). I wish you the best of luck friend.
ReplyDelete