They called me belligerent during my time in the Marine Corps. I listened to my command and followed orders. I wasn't disobedient, I just questioned and commented almost every task given. To my command I was belligerent, but I saw my questioning and unscripted actions as an expressive form of creativity to complete the mission successfully.I took the phrase “Adapt and Overcome” to heart, applied it at every opportunity during training and in combat. 

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When I was deployed, I got yelled at for drawing on my fellow Marines helmets and gear. "You're destroying government property!". That was until Captain Turner pulled me away from everyone and requested the Notre Dame logo on his helmet. For a second I thought he was going to bust me down to E-1, but to the contrary, he gave me a task I can leverage. I seized the opportunity to negotiate terms for my commission to brand his equipment. His semi-whispered, "Make it really bad ass and I'll forget about punishing you." That was my first design sprint. After 15 minutes or so I heard, “Outstanding work Marine! Now get back to work”. Difficult client! Knew what he wanted but didn't have the means! I knew right then I wanted to be in advertising.

My tactical experience of handling high pressure situations along with my creativity has had me on this wonderful journey as a creative professional.
I love what I do.