Portfolio School
T. Budnik—Age 24—Atlanta, Georgia
According to mantra-statement.com, my statement is: “What truly inspires me is a future in which I can explore the world in order to create my contribution to humanity.” I’m not too sure about that. See, it was a sentence with three blanks. For each blank there were about ten different word or phrase choices. I really only chose “explore the world,” “create,” and “my contribution to humanity” because I like those words. I’m not convinced, though, that the sentence really works. It seems a bit awkward—awk in pen on the margin for those paper-graders.
I’m attending a portfolio school—a grad school without the degree—I’m studying to be a copywriter. After getting a BA in English, I decided I wanted to learn more about advertising. I wanted to feel like I didn’t just fall into a job, but actually chose one. After being at this portfolio school for a little over a year, I’ve already made a choice: I don’t want to do advertising. I don’t want my claim to fame to be working for a hot-shot agency that pumps out funny-only-the-first-time-you-see-it ads while working long hours.
In order to get to portfolio school I packed up my car and drove from Alaska (where I was born, raised, and educated) to Atlanta where I’m pursuing this post-graduate education. Traveling is like crack. I want to drive more. There’s nothing more relaxing than getting behind the wheel and setting the cruise control.
I like to create. Whether it’s making my annual Christmas cards, knitting a scarf, or writing a story, I like creating. Creating is like crack. Give me a good idea and I’ll produce it at the expense of a full night of sleep.
My parents never went to college. I know what it’s like to live without a college degree. That’s why I don’t want to waste my education on doing good only for myself. I’ve had the opportunity to get an education, the least I can do is have a positive influence on humanity. An influence that goes beyond the cop-out of just being a good citizen: beyond voting, paying my taxes, having designated drivers, and using my turn signals.
How do I combine these three things and make a living? I have less than a year until I finish school.
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