I am a 22 year old native Houstonian, attending the University of Houston, majoring in painting. It is not as easy as one might think to declare art as a degree, much less a studio major, such as painting, sculpture, photography or digital graphics. As most university art programs are, the one at UH is a competitive program that requires students to pass an intensive portfolio review to make it into the major specific program. Only 12 students are selected per semester, and are finally able to truly call themselves painting majors and let out a huge sigh of relief. I was one of the prestigious 12 selected last semester, and am on my way to graduating next year. I love what I do, and love being able to drive to class with a smile on my face. That is not to say what we do is not hard and challenging, and most definitely time consuming. My fellow painting majors and myself are expected to put in at least 30 hours a week in our studios.  So needless to say...discipline is a must!