257 Days

I've realized looking over my Wishlistr that I've knocked a lot of my preparation list!

Rain boots
Waterproof Jacket
Bus Pass
Passport
ISIC Card 

What I still need:

Suitcase
Plane Ticket 1 (I'm checking every day!)
Noise cancelling headphones
Polaroid + film

In other news, I've submitted formal analysis papers to several conferences in hopes of bolstering my CV which will hopefully in turn result in some grant/scholarship money. I'm really trying to make it work!

258 Days

Fall term at Portland State is wrapping up nicely, and I'm feeling confidant and excited about my future endeavors. I've been working hard to build momentum to fund my Scotland adventure, and the holiday season has provided an ideal time to reflect on how far I've come and what I've accomplished thus far, which both seems like a lot and nothing at all simultaneously.

As far as classes, I think I owned this term!  I took 5 classes whereas most students only take 3. I guess you could call it double time instead of full-time. Courses include:

          -Comics Theory

          -English History 1066-1660

          -Field Studies: Gorge

          -Chaucer: Canterbury Tales

          -Excursions in Math (blech, math!)

Not only did I enroll in all of these classes, but I took on extra work AND another job! Come finals, I did two comic projects instead of one, helped out cohorts with their work, wrote 20 pages about the Stuart reign and still managed to sleep 8 hours a night. One instructor even stopped me before class last week to congratulate me for the great success I had in her class over the term. I am feeling fantastic, and it's all due to dedication and kick-ass time management.

Work wise, here's the update!  I'm still holding down the fort in the College of Urban and Pubic Affairs lab and library, while still temping in the Dean's office when they need assistance. I've also been enjoying working for the PSU Box Office, where through this position I get to enjoy a flexible schedule AND I get to attend the events I work (Plays, chamber music, opera, recitals...).  I've always complained how I never get to go to the symphony because it is expensive for a student, but now thanks to this job, I do get to go! My research assistant position with Dr. McClanan is also going well. This term I helped her due preliminary research for a Byzantine textiles project that centers around GRYPHONS (griffin, gryfin, so many spellings!). At one point I realized that I was living my childhood dream--being paid to read, write and research mythical beasts. I'm still working down at Sequential Art Gallery on Saturdays, and we've had some killer shows over the past few months, namely the work of Jonathan Case. Give him a Google, you'll love his cartooning style!  For side work, I've been hired for a seasonal position at Amazon, which I've only just finished the orientation for. It should be interesting! Last, but certainly not least, over the holiday break from school I'll be returning to Benton City, Wa to play waitress again with my mom. Nothing like a working vacation! (No, really, it's awesome to go on vacation, hang out with my mom, AND get paid!)

Even with working a variety of jobs, it's still hard for this old girl to save. I still have bills to pay, and things like a suitcase and plane tickets to buy. That's why I've been working on putting together a crowdfunding campaign to help get the nominal amount for my student visa. I've been creating a comic to explain my endeavors, organizing reward tiers and compiling a list of potential sponsors to contact. If all goes to plan, I should be able to launch the site within a month. More details to come!

To wrap it up, I can't believe that it's all coming together. I've gotten my passport, been watching plane ticket prices, signed up for my ISIC card and taking daily Google Earth tours. I've hit my $1000 mark on savings, which puts me ahead of my projected savings (5 jobs do help). Next will be to launch the crowdfunding campaign, work on FAFSA, apply for scholarships and continue to work, work, WORK!

310 Days

Now that I have a computer capable of digital art, here is some of what I've been working on!  There's a learning curve, but as I slowly add to my toolbox, it is becoming easier drawing by drawing. 

Great news!  I am getting my passport FO' FREE! Well, for the cost of passport photos ($7), but a huge step and money saved! Next month when I receive the official passport, I will be able to move forward with applications and be able to apply for scholarships specific to the University of Dundee. 

Next up, aside from finishing schoolwork, will be to continue my downsizing and money saving efforts. I've just realized that it's around 9 months until I go to Scotland, but only 5 months until I move home!  Time is flying by!  I have made the decision to move home in March, after school (for me) is through for several reasons. One, I'll be able to save on rent, utilities, and so on. That's just a smart move, and I love my family, so it won't be painful. This way, I'll be able to save $440 per month that I wouldn't be able to do while living in Portland. Second, pay rates are higher in Washington, and paychecks aren't taxed as heavily due to sales tax versus income tax. Again, this seems like a no brainer--move home and make 1/3 more, or stay in Portland and pay rent and lose 1/3 of my check? Home it is! 

With the decision to move home for a few months prior to my departure, it really means that I need to solidify certain arrangements NOW. I will need all of my documents in order, flight arrangements, and school paperwork established so when I do move, I won't have to worry about making trips to Portland to tie up loose ends. 

I'm very excited to start my adventure after hearing about the new Comics Creative Space in Dundee, as well as the program itself getting great reviews. Hopefully I can make contact with some of the organizations in Dundee to see about potential funding opportunities, volunteer work once I'm there, and so on. I can't wait to become a part of the Dundee comics community, to learn and share, and promote more individuals to not only study abroad, but to broaden their horizons when it comes to the comics medium. 

Up next:

-Continue to work as much as possible

-Excel in courses

-Pack

-Crowdfunding campaign leg work

340 Days

Updates!
-New laptop (thanks, mom!)
-Etsy is live!
-Obtained a third job to increase saving capabilities
-Completed EdX course on Comics History

Welp, I'm within the year mark and I still have a lot of work ahead of me--BUT--I've secured a third job to accompany my various endeavors so I can save enough for my student visa. It turns out that applying for the Marshall and the Fulbright were not in the cards for me this year, but I'm sure I have the ability to hustle to make do. I have been continuously down-sizing my belongings and researching various funding options so I can be as prepared as possible. As of right now, my main goal is to work and save as much as possible (along with completing my fall term courses). I have reached an accord with some family members who are willing to pitch in on some expenses, so the ball is rolling! Now to save and sell off the remainder of my belongings so I can commence my Scotland sojourn next fall.


To round things out, here's what I look like on paper:

Academics:
Double major in Arts and Letters AND Art History
Minor in Medieval Studies and English
Post-Bacc Certificate in Comics Studies
Graduate summa cum laude (In progress) 3.95 GPA

Awards:
Simon Benson Art History Scholarship
Schwenn Family Scholarship
Blick Merit Scholarship
President's List (continuous)
Honorable Mention, Northview Gallery 2013
Artist of the Year, 2006

Publications:
GirlPower! Vol. 86: On Fleek. PSU. August 2015.
Fees, fees and more fees. The Vanguard. April 2015.
Lessons Learned. July 2015. Self-Published.
Munchies: Coloring Book. July 2015. Self-Published.
Sissy Pants 1-3. July 2014. Self-Published.

Experience:
August 2015-Present: Research Assistant to Dr. McClanan, Medieval Art History, PSU
July 2014-Present Intern Sequential Art Gallery
May 2015-Present Volunteer Reading Frenzy
December 2014-Present Library Attendant College of Urban and Pubilc Affairs, PSU

Volunteer:
Reading Frenzy
Portland Audiences for Cultural Exploration
Portland Art Museum
BodyVox
Rose City Comic Con
Stumptown Comics Fest
Disjecta

Select Exhibitions:
Munchies Solo Exhibition, July 2015
Pieces and Parts Group Exhibition, July 2015
Ladies Solo Exhibition, January 2015
Bill Murray  Group Exhibition, December 2014
Vinyl Art Show Group Exhibition, December 2014
Woodcuts v.2 Solo Exhibition, May 2014
Fan Girl Solo Exhibition, May 2014
Woodcuts Solo Exhibition, April 2014

AND THERE'S MORE! But, that's a little flavor of who I am and what I am doing in attempts to get to graduate school in Scotland!

359 Days

Success!

Although sales at Last Thursday were minimal, luck has sided with me as I have just accepted a position as a research assistant to the lead medieval art history professor at Portland State University. The pay is substantially more than the other interviews I have lined up for the week, therefore I will not have to return to food service at this point in time. The best part of this new position is that I did not apply for it, I was sought out due to my diligence and research capabilities exhibited in prior coursework. You know what? Hard work does pay off!

This is the stroke of luck I have been working towards, as this job will boost my resume, aid my scholarship-obtaining-potential and definitely make a huge contribution to my savings. Not only that, but the hours are flexible so I will be able to keep my position at the Dirce Toulan Library.

My graduate school goals are within my grasp, and I cannot wait for the day I take off to Dundee!

ONE YEAR

It's official, I am within the year mark of my Scotland sojourn!

I have finally concluded summer term, and I'm happy to report that I have received a 4.0 GPA!  I took the past week off to rest and catch up on some TV shows as my 7 day a week schedule for the past 12 weeks was finally starting to wear me down. Now that I'm rested and rejuvenated, my search for scholarship money continues. There is still a lot of planning, budgeting, scheming, writing and drawing ahead of me, and I'm excited to continue on!

Now that I am within a year of my travels, it feels more serious and imminent. I am actually starting to feel nervous, anxious and a little voice is creeping into my head exacerbating my hesitations. What if I can't come up with the money? What if my visa is denied? What if I get there and I hate my flatmates? What if I can't find a job? What if I don't want to come back to the states?

They are practical concerns, but teetering a little too much on the negative side for me to give them attention. If I remain positive, keep focusing on my work, applying for scholarships and working as much as possible, I know I can do this. 

Some updates:

-I will be participating in Last Thursday, the street fair held monthly throughout the summer on NE Alberta Street here in Portland. At this event I will lug out all of my drawings, paintings, comics and prints to sell. It's free to set up, so it doesn't hurt trying to make a little extra money. For myself, this is a win-win event as I get to socialize, make some money and simultaneously downsize my belongings. 

-Budgeting has been made easier now that I can eliminate my monthly grocery bill with the newfound discovery of the PSU Student Food Pantry. This campus gem allots students 5 items per visit along with unlimited 'freebie' items such as produce and bread. With proper meal planning, I should be able to completely eliminate food costs and bolster my savings! 

-Monday the 31st I have an interview with a coffee shop for part-time work. With any luck, I'll land the job and be able to resign from my volunteer activities. As much as I do love being an intern and volunteer, it is time for me to really focus on completing my coursework and saving as much $$ as possible. But, that is dependent on the interview, so fingers crossed I'll get some extra work!

Ideal plan for Phase 1 & 2 (now until December):

-Turn in Fulbright

-Kickstart savings via Last Thursday

-Finalize "support" comic

-Get second job

-Re-Open Etsy or the like to sell the rest of paintings

-Craigslist Printer, scanner, computer, etc... 

380 Days

I feel as if I'm in this liminal space where I'm not really connected to Portland and obviously not in Scotland...yet. Fully aware of the year left before I embark on my travels, I'm having a hard time suppressing the wanderlust that is brewing within me. Although I have been keeping busy with finishing the last week of summer term, working 7 days a week and scheming how to fit my life into a suitcase, the travel bug will not get out of my mind. Along with reading comics studies essays (as mentioned in the prior post) I've been reading travel books and travelogue comics in order to be as prepared as I possibly can when I leave. I don't know if it' helping or hindering my wanderlust, but at least I won't be completely clueless when I embark. Also, reading the travel and memoir comics are truly inspirational and insightful of what I hope to create regarding my own journey and dissertation proposal. Here's what Ive been reading this week:

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day Matthew Kepnes
The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost Rachel Friedman
Lonely Planets Best Ever Travel Tips
Age of License Lucy Knisley
Carnet de Voyage Craig Thompson
Truth is Fragmentary Gabrielle Bell

I've found little nuggets of priceless information from all of the texts so far, especially when it comes to booking flights and accruing air miles via credit cards. Another helpful company mentioned in several was FairFX.com, a way to get currency before I travel so I won't be hit by ATM fees while exchanging money at the airport. As I'm on a budget now, I'll be on a tighter budget while I'm traveling until I can secure part-time employment in Scotland, so discovering ways to lessen fees will definitely help in the future.

As far as preparations, there's not much I can do at this moment except wait patiently (hence the liminal mindset). I have a paper to wrap up for my early medieval history course, and a zine release party to attend on Wednesday for my senior capstone. I have a list of miscellaneous things I'd like to work on when classes conclude this week, such as improving my life drawing and urban sketching. Since I've made a travel watercolor palette, I'm excited to enjoy the end of summer while filling my sketchbook.

BUT! August 31st, my payday, I will finally have enough money to get my PASSPORT! Hot dog hallelujah, I'm so stoked. Getting my passport is my first big goal to mark off my list, and once I do it, the ball will officially be rolling towards graduate school. As I've read on other travel sites, you're never serious about traveling until you get your passport, so I hope I'll get some sort of validation from the universe once I get that pocket-sized blue book.

Other than that, I don't have much to report. Until my next milestone, I'll keep plugging away at downsizing my belongings and saving my pennies.