Proposal: Brief Outline

My proposal is threefold. First being to study comics at the University of Dundee under Dr. Chris Murray, a comics studies scholar. The University of Dundee is home to several publishing companies, the Dundee Literary Arts Festival and the Scottish Center for Comic Studies (housed at the University).  The 1 year Masters program is based around critical analysis and theory, a burgeoning field that is academically versus creatively based, although there is cross-over. In my studies I hope to bring the Portland-perspective to Scotland, and vice-versa. It's also important to note that this is one of two masters programs in comics studies in the world that is analytical, let alone the only program of it's kind in the UK! 

The second portion would be to create a travelogue comic of my studies, adventures and cultural immersion while in Scotland. I plan to learn about Scottish culture through the VL Angus, a program where Scottish families in the surrounding area invite international students into their homes, or go on outings around town;  a way to see life from their own point of view. I also plan to take bi-monthly trips around Scotland via ScotRail or MegaBus to see notable sites, such as Stirling Castle, and visit Scottish comics conventions and festivals such as Glasgow Comic-Con and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. I have a travel list made, courtesy of my weekly Google Earth tours of Scotland. 

The third and culminating portion of my travels would be to combine comics theory with my travelogue to create a dissertation focusing on the use of hermeneutic images, synecdoches and sensory diegesis in silent comics. The lack of dialogue and emphasis on clear visuals in comics can be an effective communication tool, as  the narrative devise transcends language barriers. Through silent comics, one can share cultural experiences and exploration through visuals that deeply relies on reader interaction. As a Portland comics reader, it's hard to find international comics, translated or otherwise. Studying in Scotland will help bridge the gap in my own comics history and theory knowledge. (Inspiration for this topic draws from my printmaking hero Frans Masereel, who Professor McGovern introduced me to some years ago.)

Preliminary research is being done through the comics studies program at Portland State University, exploring various silent comics, and reading the following:

Critical Approaches to Comics

Transnational Perspectives on Graphic Narratives: Comics at the Crossroads

A Comics Studies Reader

Comics and Language: Re-imagining Critical Discourse on the Form

This is supplemented by drawing everyday, and my DIY publications. 

Sites for more information:
University of Dundee Website
Scottish Centre for Comics Studies
Dundee Comics Creative Space

389 Days

Summer Term:

18 Credits

UNST 421-500 GirlPower Capstone

An interesting dissertation on the Capstone

SCI 343U-001 Columbia Basin Plant Communities

HST 354U Early Medieval History

ARH 358U Romanesque Art History

Fall Term:

16 Credits

ENG 449 Comics History and Theory

MTH 105 MATH (scores to become null after 5-7 years at PSU & PCC)

ARH 356U Early Medieval Art History

HST 355U Medeival History

(trying to get into English History, though!)

Work Schedule 

(ends 8/14/15, Resumes 9/28/15)

Combine the two, and you have my weekly schedule:

I felt that it was necessary to share my schedule, both for courses and work, to prove that I am indeed making the effort to study abroad in Scotland. First and foremost, I must complete my classes. Second, I need to work to pay rent, and then find a way to start saving.

My work schedule fluctuates. I started out the term with 13 hours and have now acquired up to 30 hours per week, but it is not reliable. It makes solidifying a budget near impossible considering my schedule can change weekly (aside from my 'set' 13 hours), and it changes by term as well.  I have applied for a second job as a projectionist at the school theater which offers a set 16 hours per week throughout the school year. THAT would be ideal, since I will still be able to supplement hours with my current library position. Fingers crossed I get a call back!

Next up will be to complete my Fulbright proposal and wrangle my references.  This is still confusing, as it seems PSU has a preliminary review board before officially sending it off in October. This worries me because if I don't pass the preliminary board, they won't approve my official application.  I just recently found out about this little tidbit from the school Fulbright coordinator, who scoffed that I did not know this information already.  There was no information regarding the process on the school's Fulbright page, so how was I supposed to know?  All I can do is try my best to knock their socks off!  I have a unique course of study, that is for sure, so at the very least I'll be memorable (the tattoos, piercings and mohawk will surely help with that as well!).

If I do not receive the Fulbright, it's on to more scholarship and grant applications. This decision will solidify if I need to do any additional crowdfunding/fundraising on top of savings in order to come up with the $12,000 I need by June 1st, at the latest, for my Visa. I'll also have to apply for federal aid in January to receive the $20,500 offered in graduate subsidized loans. This is something that I hope I don't have to do, but I am dedicated to studying at the University of Dundee so I'll just have to take the plunge--if necessary.

Scholarships/Grants/Fundraising/Savings will allow me to seal the deal on my position at the University. If I do not get the Fulbright, which will fund all of my expenses, I'll need to apply for the program and accommodation by May 1st. Once the official offer is received, I have the opportunity to apply for international student scholarships through the school (which is also competitive) and finally be able to apply for my Visa (so I don't get deported).

In between all of this, I need to purchase plane tickets--incoming in December, outgoing in May/June (which I'll have to adjust when I get to Scotland since one can only purchase tickets 330 days in advance). This is probably the easiest part since STA Travel offers killer deals on flights for students. I'll be able to fly one way from Seattle to Glasgow for $340, including taxes and fees. Purchasing two tickets is the cheapest option available, which I'll take! Also, with my recent discovery of MegaBus, I'll be able to save some money getting from Glasgow to Dundee. If I can time it right, I'll be able to catch a bus for roughly $2!

There's a variety of small things to accomplish, too.  This includes a health physical, getting copies of my official documents, getting my biometetrics(finger prints). I also need to stat acquiring necessary items such as a suitcase and rain jacket while simultaneously downsizing my belongings. My goal is to be able to arrive in Scotland with a suitcase, a carry-on pack and a purse. I think that I can do it!

I have a running checklist of everything I need to get done along with a list of scholarships and grants to apply to. I research a little everyday, and also 'troll' countless other study abroad blogs to glean any pertinent information. This has proved extremely valuable to hear about other travel stories, so I can avoid any errors while in transit. Considering that when I do arrive in Scotland, I will have been scheming for a year and 5 months, so I'm sure I'll iron things out prior to my departure (or at least most of it!)

In meantime, I've been battling my own woes aside from work and school. My home is still up in the air and I've been deep cleaning like crazy due to bed bugs. With my kidney stones earlier this month, a nut allergy outbreak, my legs welting because of grass, my grandmother passing--sheesh!  The stress is catching up with me, and my eyeball literally exploded because of it:

Knowing that I can't control everything does ease my mind, but it sure would be nice to catch a break. Working 7 days a week, scheming, school and art shows... now THAT I signed up for. This cascade of other life issues is surely unwanted, but I do understand that it happens. It makes me appreciate every small victory, and gives me the confidence to push on and continue succeeding. If I can make it through this summer, I can surely do anything!

Also, I'm compiling a list of items needed (or just want) for my trip. 

391 Days

After doing my budget, and assessing Visa requirements, $11,820 is what I need to have saved by June 1st at the latest. That total is just to get into the country, not including room and board, travel and feeding myself. I am scheming morning, noon and night on how to come up with that money, and  it has really solidified the fact that I need support--donations, scholarships and grants are going to be my bread and butter to each that total.

I am trying though, every day, and I'm still a little over a year out from my (ideal) departure date. Every week I've been submitting scholarship applications, either to supplement this academic year, 2015-16, or for my year in Scotland, 2016-17. Any supplemental income, now or in the future, is not only paramount but greatly appreciated. My goal is to come up with enough funding to take care of my living expenses while in Portland so I can save 90% of my paychecks, and also allow me to travel while I am in Scotland.

In order to save money and show my current efforts, I made this little comic in my sketchbook. I've assessed my finances and am trimming the excess wherever I can. This means ramen is now my dietary staple, I am biking as much as possible, making money any way I can and starting to downsize my belongings in order to fit my life in a suitcase. It's hard, especially knowing that I still have a year of penny-pinching ahead of me--and let's face it, I'll probably be doing the same when I get to Scotland!

All I can do is keep plugging away, applying for everything I can, and cutting costs wherever and whenever possible. If you'd like to help out, now or in the future, check out the buttons to the right of the screen!  I've created a PayPal donation button, and a link to my Wishlist. Basically, if you would like to buy me some bus passes, or donate some dollars so I can get my passport (my first goal), I will not only love you forever but mail you a custom piece of art!  Think about it!

393 days

I've been doing the best that I can to figure out EXACTLY what I need to come up with to make Scotland happen. My total cost, in light orange, is the bare minimum I would need to go (plus some wiggle room). The green is what I know I can come up with 100%, but I'm probably shooting low.. I'll be able to take out loans through the US government, which is a huge help, although I would prefer it if I could get the Fulbright or similar scholarship (fingers crossed!)

I figure that I can try to save around $600/month for 9 months to come up with my own contribution. This is, of course, if my work schedule stays consistent. I have received enough funding through scholarships for the next 6 months to cover my tuition and living costs, so practically all of my paychecks can go towards the Scotland fund. Hopefully through crowdfunding I'll  be able to come up with around $2000, potentially more.  The average campaign on GoFundMe, Kickstarter and GoEnnounce averaged 2K, and I think I can earn around the same amount if I try! 

Fundraising is something that I haven't factored in yet because I'm still unsure of how it will all pan out. I hope to teach some painting classes, sell things at Last Thursday, bake sale, sell art online, etc... But trying to gauge that amount would be difficult, so I just left that out--for now. 

398 Days

You know the scene in Better of Dead with John Cusak where he's getting ready for his downhill run, and he gets the pep talk from Charles?  In that crazy top hat, Charles imparts these words of wisdom, "If something get's in your way, turn!"

Well, I'm taking that literally in the means of obstacles, since I'm not catching a break!  Not that a break is necessary, but in the midst of my cycling goals I was hospitalized temporarily for kidney stones. Along with that, it turns out one of my recommendations for the Marshal Scholarship is out of town this summer, while my adviser I have been working with just informed me that she's taken a position at another university, so she won't be able to complete and send off my application. Geez!

On a lighter note, I've completed 2 of the 4 classes with A's in both classes. Now I can breathe a little with my remaining two courses.   I've also taken a position with the Dean's office on a regular basis until the start of fall term to kick-start my savings goals for moving overseas. Although I'm enduring one hiccup right now, I'm sure that I'll be able to work something out to complete the scholarship application, or at least come up with a better alternative.

Back to studying!

405 days until Scotland

07/15/2015
Where I'm at now:

I am currently wrapping up my studies for 2 classes this week, with 2 more culminating next month. It's been a challenge to take 18 credits in 8 weeks while working, volunteering, interning, art-showing, house-fixing...but I'm doing it and I can't believe it! I've pushed myself before, but this is a whole new level of dedication that I didn't know I was capable of. Every day for the past two months has been meticulously planned out, and will continue this way until Labor Day (ironically).  I don't plan on sacrificing any of my extracurricular's, and I need to keep working to keep a roof over my head, and of course save for Scotland!

Having every day planned out for the next two months doesn't necessarily offer time for a vacation, dates with my partner, or lounging. But there's something magical about doing something everyday, where there's no room for error or excuses. I like this side of me. Dedicated. Diligent. Prudent. It also helps that I love everything I'm doing: school, work, gallery, art shows, bookshops and comics. No jobs I despise, or fighting to get out of bed every morning. It's remarkable, and I wish 21 year old me would have known this. "YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORK IN A BAR!" BUT, all my life experiences are what got me to this point, so I wouldn't change a thing.

Scotland updates:

I'm working on the Marshal Scholarship and forming a continuous narrative over 7 essays to prove my worth as a creative, a scholar while emphasizing my "hard luck" (advisers words, not mine). It's a little nerve-wracking, because in cases like this I don't know what's too personal or too vague when telling my story, but all I can do is be myself and highlight my accomplishments and strengths. Now to just solidify FOUR letters of recommendation and I can send it in! The competition for this award, as well as the Fulbright, are very competitive, so I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket (but it sure would be nice!).

Along with essays, I've been slowly but surely reducing my material items in order to fit my life in a suit case. A minimalist lifestyle has ALWAYS been a goal of mine, but never quite a reality living in the land of free-piles, Portland. Fighting temptations every day, I've stopped purchasing extraneous items and have been discarding a few items every day to my yard sale/donation pile. With the ease of technology today, I don't feel to cumbersome in passing along some of my prized possessions to friends and family, knowing that they're going to good homes and I can carry a tablet versus 10 boxes of books. A sacrifice, but a realistic one considering my financial limitations when it comes time to move.

So, a wrap up:
-Finishing studies
-Working on essays
-Minimizing belongings

I'm doing it! One small step at a time!

The Journey Begins

Hello internet friends and family,

Some of you already follow this blog, and I'm glad to welcome you back.  For newcomers, welcome as well!  I am re-purposing my journal-blog to now document my adventures leading up to my departure to Scotland in the fall of 2016.  I know it's a ways off still, but if there's anything I've learned in my adulthood is that prudence pays off!

To let the cat out of the bag, I am planning to attend the University of Dundee in Scotland for an MLitt in Comics Studies. That's the equivalent of a U.S. Masters degree, but completed in one rigorous year (full-time attendance) versus 2-3 years in traditional programs.

Why do I want to study in Scotland?  

Several reasons. As mentioned, it's a one year program, which will significantly cut down on tuition costs.  Even with flights, passports, visas and associated fees I will incur, the total for my education will still be comparably less than if I studied in the States. Also, rent prices in Dundee are lower than what I pay now in Portland, and aforementioned flights are insanely cheap when planned in advance. I'm talking $300 flights form Seattle to Glasgow or London cheap.

Aside from the cost, which is important, it's the program itself that is paramount. Sure, there are art schools that offer "comics" at the graduate level, but they are art based versus theory based.  Also, some of the institutions in the U.S. who have these programs do carry some clout, but are unaccredited, which would be a waste of money for me as I am aiming for a doctorate in the future. In light of that, I've had the pleasure of being taught by some of the same instructors at these schools while studying at Portland State University, so by skipping over the art schools I don't feel like I'm missing out on much.

With that said, the University of Florida DOES offer the program I am looking for, but IT'S IN FLORIDA. Humidity and heat are not something I can physically deal with, let alone the tuition is considerably higher than in Scotland, and has lesser reputation in comparison.

Which leaves me with the University of Dundee's Comics Studies program. It's a well respected institution with quite the comics history under it's belt--the school and the city itself. I feel fortunate that I currently live in Portland, where cartoonists live around every corner, but it feels exclusionary in light of the REST OF THE WORLD that makes comics!  Why would I not travel abroad to expand my knowledge of international comics, foster relationships and build ties with an network of creators and readers--it just seems silly NOT to go.

Also, I think that it's important to mention that the field of comics studies, or visual rhetoric as some departments call it, is still in its infantile stage in the academic arena. What I see is a future within academia as the need for qualified instructors arise as more programs pop up around the nation. This stems from my own experience in the newly founded Comics Studies certificate at PSU, where I've had a mixture of instructors bearing professional experience to those who were just in it for a paycheck. I love comics, and I would love to share my own enthusiasm with future creators and academics alike.

And I've never been out of North America, so going overseas is like a dream come true!

So where am I at now?

I have been researching since March about programs, funding, flights, tips and tricks, and how to bolster my CV to heighten scholarship prospects. I've started the process of minimizing my belongings, strategize what quality items to purchase, checking flight prices on a weekly basis and beginning scholarship applications. I've compiled a calendar of what I need to accomplish when, along with a rough budget of what I need to live there/savings schedule.

Money is the biggest worry, as I need a certain amount just to get my visa before I even leave the country. Hence my dedication to early scholarship applications, such as the Marshall Scholarship and the Fulbright. These two study-abroad funding meccas are extremely competitive, but that's because they pay for everything, plus a monthly stipend. Granted there's rules, regulations and requirements in order to get and maintain the funding, but I'm going to try to apply regardless. I'll be going against Ivy-League schools for these scholarships, so hopefully my unique character and chosen path of study will stick out amongst the corporate applicants.

It's a long shot to apply for the two scholarships mentioned, but I have a contingency plans and back up scholarships and grants in the works as well. I'm working as much as possible, participating in art shows to generate potential income, plan on teaching workshops for fundraising means as well as good old fashioned generosity from friends, family and strangers via crowd-funding.

I still have a long road ahead of me, but I've got the ball rolling and can't wait to see where it goes!