programming and my future

<p>I just finished an online college level java class. Last year I took a year long scheme class. And now, I really want to "do" something real world with java so I can get better at programming. I know I can always do usaco stuff but I would like to do something that helps someone in the real world. ANy ideas? Also, are there any other online classes I could take in java or is practice the best way to get better? Anyone got any ideas?</p>

<p>(long thread in response to this available on the Parents' forum, also responses to this on the MIT and Caltech forums)</p>