I sometimes wonder if I wouldn’t have been better off just buying a really, really nice microphone.

Instead of pouring money into tuition fees and textbooks, I’d say get yourself some good audio equipment. Seriously. You’d be amazed at what a quality mic, a decent set of headphones, and a little podcasting software can do. The best education? Talking to the people who know what you want to learn. Start a podcast, interview the people who inspire you, and soak up their wisdom. Not only will you skip the high cost of tuition, but you’ll actually be gaining practical real life skills while making some fascinating connections.

Name the most expensive personal item you’ve ever purchased (not your home or car).

If you asked me about the most costly personal item I’ve ever bought, I wouldn’t be pointing to a fancy watch or some shiny collector’s item (although a mint Invasion of the Body Snatchers poster might be tempting). No, my most expensive investment to date has been my education. I think this is supposed to be a smart, “adult” purchase, the kind you wear like a badge of honor. But in retrospect, I sometimes wonder if I wouldn’t have been better off just buying a really, really nice microphone.

You’re out there, armed with a mic and questions, connecting with those people you’d never meet otherwise, and—bonus—you’re promoting your own creative craft while learning. There’s an authenticity to this kind of experience that can’t be found in lecture halls or dusty textbooks. A few hours chatting with someone who knows their stuff will teach you more than 40 pages of passive reading ever could. Plus, you’ll walk away with real-world advice and stories.

Looking back, I’d still invest in my education—but not through the usual channels. I’d invest in creating something real, something that connects me to people. I’d be out there with my really nice microphone, learning, laughing, and getting the education that’s perfectly tailored to all of my weird interests.