From left: ericaanne Hastings, Apollo Call, Brieanna Juliesse, Clay Ellison, Marco2feelgood Masala, Vadimar Takahe, TortugaTom MacBain and Melody Sharpshire

Tuesday saw the ceremony of the first group of students to progress through and complete Clay Ellison and Marco2feelgood Masala's Costa Rica building classes, being dubbed Class 101. Already there is planning in the works for the next round of courses that will include basic building, and even sculpties. The residents involved in this first project were from all walks of life across SL. I heard nothing but praise for the instruction and the camaraderie between both the students and Clay was felt strongly.

The group has become quite close knit and bound together for advice and tips on things they may be stuck on. After the ceremony, one student, ericaanne Hastings took us all on a trip to her shop - Elan' Fine Furniture & Accessories - filled with her own brand of furnishings and original textures. Even here you could feel the warmth between this cheery bunch, as they discussed the objects and texturing and how to adjust the poseballs to suit. It reminded me so much of my early days in Second Life, when everything is so new and your learning so much. Was lovely to see. I'd strongly encourage any residents that may have missed this first set of classes to jump on board for the next lot. You can message Clay Ellison in world and he will have more information for you.

I wanted to hear what some of the residents thought of their time in the course so I asked for some of the feedback. This is by no means all of it, but you get the idea. :D

It was a very inspiring class. I forgot about the building tools. it was been long time I built something seriously. Now I got it back, plus I learned more. I still have to learn more to become a good builder. But it was fun. People are nice and very friendly. I recommend this class to everybody. Clay tried so hard to help everybody all the time. Thank you, You are the best! WE WANT 102 !! Apollo Call

I feel that the Building Class 101 should be allowed to continue, as well as allowing a Building Class 102 to start. So many people could benefit from their knowledge and expertise. In all I just want to say I absolutely loved this class, and I am very grateful for having been given the opportunity to attend it. a most grateful, Brieanna Juliesse

When a class was missed you could follow the class again the sunday later, so you did not have to miss anything. It would be good to get more in dept classes where you can learn more on what you want to build yourself, or get help on 3D programs like blender or any other program you have. Also it would be fun to have some kind of library set up, where everyone can put their scripts in so it can be used by everyone in costa rica. Thanks Clay, I have had a lot of fun and learned a lot. Vadimar Takahe