Not sure what high horse you're talking about. I pay my own bills, I am covering the full cost of my education through loans in my own name, and I'm independently responsible for my career. I want my parents help my younger brothers instead of me.

I pay a lot for my education, but I made good choices. I went to state schools instead of private schools. I was accepted to Boston University at $63,000 a year, but that would have been a pretty foolish financial decision. My local state university was within my range and I can work for my education.

I'm just sharing a perspective. My girlfriend and I live in a nice place and we have a reasonably reliable 2006 Hyundai and we live a good life, and we get to tour. Education is an investment. Consulting, freelancing, working for yourself - millions of people do this, many or most with nothing more than an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.

If going to state university and making something of myself is elitism, your idea of success has a low bar! I'm a college student, man!



P.S. I'm not sure where you got the idea that I'm a vagabond. I'm a Ph.D. student and I work three jobs to pay for it. I'm career-driven, I just take time for what's important, and that to me is bike touring. I chose my career to facilitate my life, not the other way around.