UI = UnInterested

I've decided to give up on trying to get a free bachelor's degree from the U of I. There are several reasons.

Best case scenario: I take once class each semester, including summer semester, and I graduate in five years. I hope I'm not still living here in five years. Worst case scenario: U of I doesn't honor the credits for gen-eds I earned at Parkland (very likely), and it takes more than five years.

Also I felt like I was treated like a bum walking in off the street, not a student. I tried to get advice as to what classes I should take from several sources. Everyone either ignored me or suggested I quit my job, become a full-time student and go $20,000 in dept like everyone else.

A few more reasons: I went to two sessions of a class before I found out I couldn't register for it. I felt out of place. I didn't like it. Additionally, working nights leaves very little time for a social life, I didn't want classes or classwork getting the way of what little social life I had. Getting to class was a bitch too. I just don't feel like committing a lot of my time, energy and money (tuition was free but books and fees weren't) to something that may not pay off anyway.

I'm not giving up on my education or furthering my career.

I have ordered several books about the Graphic and Web Design software I use. I intend to increase my skills in all areas, especially web design and development. I've been browsing job postings on the internet. It seems fewer and fewer people are interested in someone solely for print work. I plan to spend the next several months building a killer portfolio and expanding my web skills.

In November I will have two years in at IlliniMedia. I feel that's the minimum amount of time required for a good resume history. After that I'll start looking for other jobs. Right now I'm considering moving far away for a job. I've lived in the Midwest my whole life. I think I'd like to live somewhere warmer.