I am considered a 'maverick'. I was very interested in writing and creating posters from the kindergarten on. I was given open study periods and programs in High school, as I was bored easily and still passed tests. My friends were poets, musicians, and independent thinkers. One of the colleges I really wanted to attend had students draw up their own programs and curriculum. (A type of advanced undergrad self directed structure.) I went to Art school instead, and was placed in with Master's students by the second semester. When I was stable financially (from creative jobs), I began the type of independent course work on my own, with teachers in my various areas of interest, forming new connected disciplines. I am not the usual academic at all. Never have been.