For the past year I've been really excited about Capilano University, a school in Vancouver BC with an excellent animation course. I've wanted to work as a professional animator since I was 14, and it seemed like the perfect school.

Recently, though, I haven't been so sure. I need to build up a good portfolio before I can apply, and I've gotten very burned out on it lately, and had to ask myself if it's worth the effort. I think I'm really more excited about the idea of living on my own than I am about education. What I want is freedom: No curfew, no schoolwork, just my own life and the money to get what I want. The only thing stopping me is the fact that I don't have a job.

I told my parents about this today, and they were a lot more open to the idea than I expected. I was worried that my mom would be upset, since she seemed set on the idea of me going to college as soon as possible. In addition to that, I had the impression that she's been disappointed in me ever since I started using drugs. I felt like I had to prove to her that I could smoke weed and still be responsible and successful.

I'm not giving up on the idea of college entirely, though. At this point I'm still planning on going next year, since the alternative would be continuing to live with my parents, which I don't want at all. But if I can get a job soon and make enough money to live independently, my plans might change.


That's my life right now.

I see a y/n and a question mark so I feel you're beckoning for me to give an opinion. If you're not then fuck you I'm a Caucasian male I do what I want.

Bigotry aside, you should totally do the animation thing, with or without a college degree. It would probably be a really awesome career. I don't imagine building a portfolio would be too terribly hard, my art teacher tells me that most of the work needs to be digital anyways. And since I am a complete stranger on the internet, years younger than you and probably an obese sex offender, you should trust me.

Go with what you want. You might just be in a slump for animation, who knows. You just gotta do what your passionate about.

As for college itself, I would say it's worth it. College is some of the best times I've ever had (honestly I look more forward to going to college each day than going home). It's an entirely new experience, and you have a lot more freedoms. If you can, get a dorm room or a cheap apartment (in Vancouver? HAH).

But you can apply for student loans, which will help you jump start school and living on your own. If you only take a few classes rather than a full course load, you could also hold a job down on the side.

Just, in short. Do what you feel is best for you. College isn't all about education, it's a great place to start anew and meet many people.