Now what?

Back in February I made a confession. I was toying with the idea of going back to school to study theater and acting. Over the next few months, I took a few hesitant steps in that direction. One of those steps was auditioning for a dramatic arts school in New York. I figured that I would try something audition based to gauge my talent/potential. According to the research I did, this school accepts about 180 students a year out of the 4,000 or so who audition. I think most people have been told not to believe everything (sometimes anything) they read online. I consider that whenever I'm perusing the interwebs. So I'm still not sure of this claim. Maybe they just say that to gain a reputation of exclusivity.

True or not...they accepted me. If I want to, I can start the two-year program this September.

There's just one minor hitch.

$$$$$$$$$$$

Tuition ain't cheap. Factor in living expenses, travel costs, insurance requirements and this little adventure of mine could cost a small fortune. On the surface, there is absolutely no way I can afford it. I don't have the money. No one I know has the money. I was offered a $1,000 scholarship but that is just a drop in the bucket.

The way I see it, there are only two ways I'll be moving to New York in 3 months. My first option is to suddenly come into some kind of financial fortune...like winning the lottery. My second, and most likely, option is to take out some student loans. I have great credit. I bet I'd have no problem doing it. But damn, the idea of such huge loans is intimidating. If I was studying to be a doctor I'd rely on the security of being able to pay them back some day. But acting? Well...it's not exactly a huge money maker...for most people anyway.

So there you have it. I want to do it. I just don't know if I can. So now what?