My experience living in a van during the summer of 2008 while working full-time as a systems administrator and taking Drawing 1 at Dartmouth College.
The Decision
I initially made the unconventional choice out of circumstance—needing temporary housing between apartments. The arrangement allowed me to dedicate evenings to artistic pursuits.
The Reality
The narrative shifted when security personnel confronted me after a bystander reported “a terrorist living in a van.” This encounter exposed how society responds harshly to nonconformity.
The Challenges
- Constant displacement between parking locations (college grounds, Walmart, truck stops)
- Sleep deprivation from anxiety
- Self-imposed isolation despite having job security
The Statistics
Research suggests 80% of people who temporarily attempt to live out of their cars end up actually unhoused, jobless, and carless. Minor deviations from normalcy can spiral into genuine hardship.
The Artwork
I learned to draw under professor Esme Thompson’s instruction. Unfortunately, I lost my portfolio of work, but here are some pieces I managed to keep:
Lessons Learned
The summer taught me valuable lessons about social tolerance and drawing ability. Sometimes the unconventional path offers unique perspectives, even when society pushes back.