After five years of school I finally graduated in 2009 with a B.A. in Art. I originally wanted to be an art teacher and coach basketball after taking my first jewelry and metal-smithing class my focus shifted. I intended to graduate with two degrees a B.F.A. in Jewelry and metal-smithing and an Art teaching degree. Then my car broke down and with no way to get around I bought a pick up. I had also gained a few thousand in debt in college loans so when the federal government offered me a job the choice was easy. I was student teaching shy of being a teacher and just a couple classes shy of a B.F.A. in jewelry and metal-smithing. After having quit school for three years, not finishing at least a four year degree was nagging at me. I had a credit check done and found I had enough credits all along to graduate...my lucky break...I could finally rest easy. I now focus on my full time government job that I love and my part time jewelry business. I'm currently working towards selling enough beaded jewelry to buy my silver-smithing tools. It will be nice to get back to doing what I know and love.