Andy Bussell is a college student who lives a pretty normal life; He goes to school, has a regular job and involves himself in healthy extracurricular activities.  So what's so special about him?  Well, he lives out of his Toyota Tacoma by choice. 

The 26-year-old has been living in his truck for nearly 19 months, skirting rules against sleeping in vehicles while otherwise living the life of a mainstream student. What started out as a way to save some cash has turned into a journey of self-reliance and independence.

"Even though I had a good job, I was tired of living paycheck to paycheck and not making any headway with my credit cards," he said. "I've learned that I can push myself, break down my own boundaries. I've been able to learn that I can change and adapt to different kinds of situations."

The odyssey began in 2005. Bussell was working full time as a "Mac genius" at the Apple Store in Newport Beach, sharing a $1,600-per-month apartment in Aliso Viejo. He had racked up more than $10,000 in credit card debt and was struggling to pay for school and save money for a three-month road trip. So on July 29, 2005, he started living in his truck, with the goal of lasting one year.

Co-workers had a pool going seeing how long he would last living out of his truck and nobody thought he would out last three months.  Despite his mom's disapproval of him living in his truck, she still believes the "life experiences he has made have been tremendous."

Andy is back from his three-month road trip, but still doesn't have any plans to move out of his truck.  He almost has his credit card debt paid off and has gained an appreciation for homelessness.  He intends to sleep in the bushes of California State Fullerton with only his backpack and a few belongings for a week before he graduates. 

You can view Andy's truck experience through his blog, Andy's Truck Adventure!

[Link] [via delicious]