Yesterday was my first day on campus at SMFA. Thomas Duncan, Assistant Director of Admissions, was kind enough to set aside some time for me to discuss the program I am about to begin, and share his thoughts and impressions with me. It was a great way to start, as he is an alumnus and an artist himself. He knows the program inside and out, and is extremely enthusiastic about the school and its ability to stimulate and nurture new artists. I needed to hear that it might be possible to juggle school, work, and family, which he did himself. I have no doubts that what I get out of the program will largely depend on what I put into it, and so I do not want to jeopardize that in any way. What is shaping up will be an intensive and demanding course of study, both in the classroom and out, that is likely to consume most of my week, leaving little for my current employer. I need to tell them soon where my priorities lie, and how much they can reasonably expect to see me at work. It isn't going to be much! An easy choice for me!