Happy birthday, sorry I've only got something I wrote too long ago to offer up: List what you'd like to do, and mention you'd like to be paid here http://www.newgrounds.com/collab/browse/artist
Look for work, like a cat looks for prey: circle around, outward from home. All businesses could use artists, you just have to convince them with your work. Murals (almost everywhere that's doing well/busy, like old age homes, hospitals, public spaces) and chalkboard art at hotels, restaurants and bars. Just talk to a manager on duty who has the authority to commission a service (out of petty cash usually)."
Post a few pieces on Craig's List (a homeowner/ local business might want a custom sign). Always have a diversified portfolio to show IRL, create real world examples, or at least, point out how your work would enhance their place.. Stopping in a real estate office might net you a quickie company icon job, a garage might want a custom graphic for flyers or an ad in the local free paper. Don't stop believing you can make a buck and get your name out there, keep the ball rolling towards notoriety and bigger payoffs.]
This IHOP on Route 18 had an "Open for 24 hrs." latex-painted graphic on it's side window, but looks like it needs to be scrapped off and re-done, gotta be worth a few bucks to someone.. I'd offer a metal cased razor scrapper (eraser) in with the deal (maybe even a squeegee; both with a sticker w/ your contact info), so in the future, they can take it down whenever.
http://www.newgrounds.com/dump/item/17087a35a0924c48c3959e5b3c6c2bca
NyanaCreation
happy early birthday ^_^ (i know it is early but still :D )
and good luck with the courses i am sure you will do awesome ;)
Good luck with everything ^_^