Like most Indonesians sent to study in the U.S., I rely on a "scholarship" funded by my parents. Hence the heading "Help me pay my parents back.” Click on the receipt to see how much my parents love me.

Equipped with an M.F.A from Parsons School of Design, a B.A. from American University and 2 expensive piece of papers (my diplomas), I was ready to conquer the "real world" — thinking that I could make a return on some of their investment.

Silly me! I didn't read the fine print that stated "Education is final and non-refundable. Your diploma will not guarantee you to be a millionaire. Welcome to the real world!"