I envy the character of Don Draper. I envy his essence. The tall, handsome, successful air of his being. He commands, and people do as he says. He is a genius in his career. His mind is an invaluable tool to his company. He challenges his higher-ups, and he isn’t mocked. Most of the time he gets what he asks for. He has worth. He has his name on the door of his office. Women love him. They flock to him….he is attractive, mysterious, and yet candid. If he shows a sign of weakness, it’s not a flaw in his character, rather, we feel sorry for him because we see deeply into his life. He carries the weight of his past on his shoulders, yet, it’s not considered crazy “emotional baggage”. He always looks good in what he’s wearing. He enters a room, and without a word, he has the respect of everyone. His first name is whispered like an urban legend’s. He has the honor, the power, the respect, and the looks many aspire to, and to him, it is effortless. He is a Mad Man.

This time last year, I would have graduated with all of my friends if I had finished college.  This year, more of my friends are graduating and my news feeds and dashboards are full of celebration.  I’m happy for my friends who pulled through, but I shudder at the amount of debt they’re walking around with.  I always wonder if that degree will be worth it to them. 

I miss college and I hope it’s not too late for me to ever go back. I want to learn and become more accomplished, but not at a six figure price.  One day, I’d like to go back to New York for a little bit, go to back to Parsons and really appreciate it.  Refine my skills, meet new people, and add a four year BFA to my resume, just like I had always wanted.