Currently I'm taking a 3D modeling course at James Madison University. Here is an assignment I'm working on for class. We all have to do a cartoon character. I'm not quite done yet, but seeing as it's Veteran's Day, I thought it would be a good time to unveil my progress on Captain America:

Hopefully it's evident that I'm learning something.

I used to have deep psychological hang-ups about going to school. Most of this stems from how poorly I did in high school. It kept me out of school for years because I was under the mistaken belief that no college would let me attend because of my high school track record. This kept me from taking classes when I was on active duty in the Marines. It also made me steer clear of officer programs that I otherwise would have applied for.

While it is true that there are some very difficult institutions to get accepted to, it's fairly easy to take classes if you have a mind to. I don't have the time or the money to go to school full time, but it would be a waste to be this close to a university and not check it out. I'm currently making use of James Madison University's outreach program as a non-degree seeking student. I didn't have to take the SATs or anything like that.

It doesn't matter to me that I probably won't get a degree from JMU — that's not why I signed up for the course. I signed up because I was intellectually curious about what the class offered.

Even if you don't have time to pursue a degree or already have one, if you live close to a universities or community colleges, check them out. You may find that they offer a class or two that you really might like.