Dear Creative Types,

I don’t need to tell you about the struggles artists face in their pursuit of creativity. Since you clicked on this article, I’m assuming you’re like me, i.e., an unappreciated genius swimming against the current of capitalist tyranny.

But you’re not alone.

All free thinkers face the same social barriers to creative expression and success. The good news is these obstacles can be overcome. I’m a living example of this fact.

A few years ago, after graduating with a B.A. in Non-Traditional Storytelling, I found myself face-to-face with a world motivated solely by profit. Everyone sold something, including themselves. But I refused to play the game. I’m not a personal brand, I’m a person, and as someone with non-traditional skill sets I knew right away that I didn’t belong.

American society failed me in not presenting a route to monetize my unique personality. But I didn’t give up. I knew in my heart that I was special and different from the near-sighted automatons around me, despite never producing anything or studying any revenue-driving subject in depth. Nothing could have been more clear. I had a calling. My inherent greatness would one day shine.

So I decided to pursue an MFA.

It was the best decision of my life!

Not only did I receive a chance to focus on my writing for two whole years, but other students had to engage and reckon with my groundbreaking prose and keen societal observations as well.

I really expanded their minds.

I learned so many crucial things too, like how to show and not tell, know my audience, and how important immigrant and minority stories are to publishing deals.

It was the best 60K my parents ever spent.

Without my MFA, I never would have learned about all of my flaws from a group of equally unsuccessful peers. It really expanded my consciousness and understanding of literary craft.

Most importantly, my MFA opened so many doors in the working world. I’m now an adjunct professor!

I currently teach two sections of English Composition every other semester at a progressive community college in Vermont. Last year I even made $15K! I can’t believe it! My parents were so happy they even let me sleep-in that weekend (they’re usually very loud in the mornings!).

Although I’m a bigwig professor now, I still make time for my own creative projects.

While I’m a white woman and way too privileged to ever write great literature, I’ve recently found intense joy blogging about being vegan. I haven’t built enough traffic to monetize my site yet, but I have a devoted Instagram following who I love with all my soul.

As a vegan I’ve learned about prejudice and what it’s like to be an outcast in society, which has really helped my writing. It’s difficult being a minority in America, especially a dietary one.

I’ve also recently gotten into Judiasm. I’m even thinking about converting soon, which should really help my career. I can’t wait to experience prejudice and use that in my work.

If I’ve learned anything in school, it’s that people really love seeing social victims overcome their oppressors, and as a strong person who always fights back, that’s exactly what I plan to do.