Wisdom Please
- December 2010
- Simple Living Dogs
Hey Steph,
I just watched your video on the prana website and I got goosebumps. I really respect the way you live your life and it inspired me to remember how I want to live mine. That said, I also thought maybe you could be of help for me. I am 23 years old living in Fargo, North Dakota. I’ll be honest it sucks. I finally started my undergrad here this fall to finish my BFA in art/sculpture but within the last year I have totally detached myself from all negative distractions and have never been healthier but also more alone in a way because it’s a pretty toxic environment here and hard to meet rad yet focused people that don’t drink. My dearest friend is a guide in Utah and after visiting her I fell in love with the mountains and energy there. The few things I know I want in my life is to be a good climber, have dogs, and hopefully someday be able to live off being an artist. I do know that finishing school is important for me though and after a few years of fooling around I know it’s something I want and a priority. I am awaiting to see if I got accepted to the University of Utah and would start in the spring but I would have to pay out of state tuition for a year. I guess I need any sort of guidance you could offer me. Do I go into debt but gain so much more spiritually and really nurture my soul in a beautiful place (as well as finally be able to climb!)? Or do I stick out undergrad the cheapest way possible but unfulfilled? I truly appreciate any honest input and your time reading this.
ciao,
Lizze
Dear Lizze,
First of all, did you get accepted??
Your question is tricky, because you say you are healthier than you’ve ever been, but at the same time it sounds like you are feeling conflicted and unfulfilled which does not sound so healthy. That sounds like a real push-pull. Are you able to focus on your art where you are? Because you are in school to develop your art. If your environment is such that you can’t be creative, it seems like it would be really difficult to achieve your goals.
What about this option: take a year, move to Utah and work as a waitress while gaining residency. Live as cheaply as possible and save as much as you can. Then start the program with in-state tuition. That’s just one idea.
It’s hard to give advice on this. I agree with you about the importance of education and being in the right place where you feel healthy and inspired. I also have a deep-seated hatred of debt, because it represents absolute lack of freedom, which leads to being unhealthy and confined. I guess that’s why I’m hoping there might be an alternative solution, to let you have it all. Maybe with some creativity, and bouncing the problem off a few more people, you might hit on that perfect solution, I hope!
🙂 Steph
