I’ve gotten a new keyboard since I was writing last.  And by new keyboard, I mean new computer.  And with it comes a new life.
It’s three weeks to graduation, and I find myself in a huge position of uncertainty.  There’s a whole lot about to change, and yet life has already decided to jump start some of those changes without asking my permission to do so.  You see, my three year (5-semester) run at ETSU is coming to a close.  Yes, in a matter of weeks, I will be a 20 year old graduate with my Bachelors Degree in visual effects.  However, that fancy piece of paper has certainly taken its toll.  It has been three years of hard work, both emotionally and physically.  I’ve seen friends come and friends go.  I’ve seen relationships start and end (including my own).  I remember the times when all I had to worry about was when the cafeteria was closing.  My, how times have changed.

You see, I’m suffering from an odd strand of senioritis.  This isn’t the senioritis that comes from no longer wanting to do work.  This is the senioritis that comes from the phrase I shall simply express in quotations for your viewing pleasure:  ”Holy crap!  What am I gonna do!?!  I’m saying goodbye to all the people I care about!!!  The world is so freaking huuuuuuuuuge!”

*Ahem*  The world.  Yes, the one we’re living in.  Did you know that it’s very big?  Speaking of big, I’m trying to decide if that’s what I want to do.  You see, if you have been following my blog, I’ve always had a dream for adventure.  And what would be bigger than heading out to the wild, wild west.  To California and the film industry!  Problem is: Am I going big because I have a desire to be a director and have my name be the first thing that appears on the credits of movies?  Or am I going big because I want to serve God in this new mission field?  Who knows!  Heck, it could be twenty years from now, and I could be the famous DeLorean driving director, and someone stumbles upon this page and laughs at my indecision.  Mmm.  DeLoreans.

No, really.  It’s huge right now.  Where do I go?  No one seems to have the answers.  Let me give you the options for your consideration:

1.  Elastic Pictures in Knoxville, TN
This is a possible job opportunity that I was presented with from the guys at www.elasticpictures.com  They’ve shown interest in my work and have a possible job opening for me if I choose to be there.  But should I work for a company that pays here in Knoxville, TN, or should I follow my dreams to go big?

2. The Academy of Art in San Francisco, California
I had a talk with the guys at the Academy last night.  Dan Cox, a guy who came to speak here at the DMC who worked on Avatar–and who gave me some great one on one conversation–went to the Academy.  That’s what gave him his first job, and it was a good job.  He’s worked for WETA in New Zealand, and now works for Lucasfilm’s ILM.  He ended up being $70,000 dollars in debt in the end, but that’s what gave him his high-paying job.  A professor who worked for Killer Giant Robots saw his stuff and got him in.  From there, it was history.  Also, a Masters degree allows me to teach.  And gets me a nice pat on the back from the people in the industry who are looking for dedicated people.  Nothing’s more dedicated than an MFA in Visual Effects.

3. Get a job, dangit!
Going West seems to be the best destination I can have.   It might be time to pack up my bags and head out to the wild yonder.  Just showing up with some DVDs of my demo reel, a resume, and a pocketful of dreams.  ”Here I am, world!”  I’d declare.  And see who takes the bait.  It might be the best way to get in.  But also, I wouldn’t have the formal training.  I’d have to bumble my way through things.  Could I do it?  Sure.  Would it be best?  God knows.

So there’s where I am.  Luckily, readers, you get to come along for the ride; gratis.  If you have any thoughts or ideas.  Well, you know what to do with them.  Hold them ransom and get some money when I pay you to choose the direction of my life.  Duh!

In the meantime, I’m horribly hungry.  There’s a new burger joint opening right across from the Digital Media Center.  Too bad they weren’t open earlier.  They’d have made a lot of money.  Maybe I’ll enjoy the remaining time I have with the people here and go out to eat.  Lord knows I’ll have to hold on to the dear times I have now, cause they’ll be gone soon.

Hopefully to be replaced with something better.