In Retrospect

Okay, so I’m a total dork. I actually rent movies in Second Life. I recently watched one, Accepted, about a group of students that fabricate a university when they’re rejected from others. I thought it would be a lighthearted comedy, and it was, but what I also noticed was that it was filmed at my REAL former university, Chapman University.

In August of 1999, I headed off to Chapman with my future ahead of me. It was quite expensive, at about 28k USD including dorm, and not all of it was covered under scholarships and loans. It was actually the only school I applied to. I wanted it that bad and knew I was accepted two days before Christmas my senior year of high school.

Backing up a bit to when I first moved to California when I was 15. I briefly attended high school in Orange County (“The OC” as you TV fans call it) and Chapman University wasn’t far away. It had Christian morals and values, but more than that, it was also a top tier school. I longed to go there and prepared for it for years. I had great grades, was involved in just about every club, was French Club President, in Student Council, won a leadership trip to Big Bear, involved in Newspaper, spoke at pep rallies, etc. I had it all.

Or so I thought. I was also very sheltered and wasn’t quite prepared for the shock of the poor life. I was a legal studies major, which meant I was in it for the long haul, working my way through school. To the tune of probably in excess of 200k. I also had a very famous child star as a roommate originally. Jodie Sweetin, Stephanie of Full House fame, was quite popular there. The same friends that told me not to let her push me around became her minions not long after. They weren’t worth knowing at that point. I changed rooms shortly thereafter.

College was a giant step for me, and I wasn’t ready. I stopped out after the first semester intending to go back. Then I got bills. It’s something that I’ve always regretted. Looking back now, though, it was probably the right decision. I paid back every single loan I had for that semester, including my parents’ loan for my education, over 4 years time, of course. I’ve only looked forward.

The question I ask myself now is, am I happy? The answer is yes. I may not have a fancy college degree, and it’ll probably hurt me in the long run. For now, I’m doing what I love, using my past knowledge and leadership skills, and forging a community.

What am I working on? I’m promoting and educating about Machinima. Soon, hopefully, I’ll be reaching out to the Teen Grid. I produce machinima for The Grid Review. I’m about to start blogging for a news site. I’d definitely say that I’m proud of what I do and what I stand for. That can’t be attained from a four year degree. It’s inside of me.

I guess what I’m saying is that the movie made me feel all warm and fuzzy.  No, I’m not drunk!  I just love Second Life.

I just had to get that out of my system. Group hugs for all!