This is me. Not writing my essay.

Not just any essay. But what is essentially the last essay of my degree. It's been a long time coming, and folks, I'll tell you: My study habits have been on a steady decline for the past year and a half. More than not just writing an essay here. This is me wanting more than anything to no longer be a frigging student!

And so, the essay: Feminist artists in the 1980's, and their reaction to/impact on female representation in the media. What was meant to be handed in two weeks ago, was extended until last thursday. And that extension, which was nothing more than pity for a tired student lacking any real motivation at the end of his degree, eventually gave way to sheer laziness, and total disregard for deadlines, extended or otherwise. Thursday turned to friday, which lead to monday, wednesday, and now... I suspect that thursday will be the day.

I know how this looks. I know I should be finishing with a bang. I'm only taking one class for chrissakes. But I just can't muster the enthusiasm. Feminism in Art History: It's a good class. It's a great topic. But I don't want to be here. And do you know what? I don't give a good god damn. I don't care.

Who are we kidding? No prospective employer is going to look at the grades of an artist with a BFA. The diploma itself is probably not going to get me much either. You don't get an interdisciplinary fine arts degree so you can frame your grades. [I'm sorry, but you don't. And if you are doing an interdisciplinary degree, and you think your good grades will help you be a professional artist - I have news for you. Making good art will help you. Do more of that.] You go for the four years of learning about art-making. The only place this might hit me is if I ever decide to go to grad school. But, knowing NSCAD, I have a feeling that I could weasel my way in, if I needed to.

I'm handing in that paper on thursday, 5 days past my extension. I'm doing it with pride, and then I'ma walk away, and never look at it again. And just pray not to run into my teacher, lest I be forced to pull out the ever-popular, confrontation avoiders: The ol' "I'm sowwy." eyes.

Editors Note: Optimuscrime is not actually advocating purposely not doing any work that might be a part of your post-secondary degree - art school, or otherwise. And we're certainly not saying that working hard, writing essays, and doing well in your courses won't be good for your art-making career. Critical thinking helps make good artists into better artists. But writing lots of essays, and not making lots of art... well, that doesn't make an artist. And contrary to popluar opinion, neither NSCAD, or any other art school is a "Successful Artist Factory". Optimuscrime will go on record with that. Lots of successful artists didn't go to school. Lots of wonderful, successful art students become successful retail workers. What we're saying is - we're terribly, terribly jaded. And you should probably pay us no mind.