Dream Deferred

In my undergraduate studies I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Management with a concentration in Human Resource in 2011, after having already worked over 15 years in corporate America.  I like so many others are experiencing great difficulty securing a full-tine position.  Corporate age bias is like a negative brand label for job seeking Generation X and Baby Boomer applicants despite experience and educational accomplishments.   

As a result, I decided to shift career gears and pursue a higher education in writing.  Writing is a career that success is based on your ability to attract and retain readers.  I am in the last phase of writing my first novel.  Spoke to a publisher this week that is interested in my finished product.  My writings have filled two 3” book binders with my inner-most thoughts, and decided to take my talent to the next level so I applied to the best fine arts program in Georgia. 

Two days ago I received word from my assigned Admissions Advisor at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) that I have been accepted into their Master of Fine Art (MFA) in Dramatic Writing program.   I have always had a passion and love for writing, subsequently having gone through the rigorous application process that culminated with acceptance into SCAD was an answered prayer and dream fruition.    

When President Obama spoke of students being accepted into college unable to afford tuition, I felt like he was living with me.  Despite having qualified for financial aid and awarded multiple scholarships that will completely pay for my education, I am unable to come up with the upfront cash required by SCAD to take advantage of this enormous opportunity. 

Presidential hopeful, Mitt Romney, says to ask family.   I tried that angle, but the culture and mindset of my family (African-American) cannot fathom someone being a writer.   It is considered rare, and a waste of money.  They talk amongst themselves about not helping me, because they would view it as a bad investment.  I have learned not to concern myself with that chatter, because as long as I live there will always be someone to talk about me.  My family is full of teachers that constantly complain about the public school system and their administration, but are not ambitious enough to become an administrator to bring about change within that system or a college instructor.   

A dream deferred is the catalyst for many fears of people with genuine God given talent and ability to be successful.  In my case the door is propped open, but lack of cash prevents my entry into the best MFA institution in Georgia.   I will not give up on bringing this dream into fruition.  There are no limitations or boundaries in my mind, I am ambitious.