If you really want to learn I would still start small, even though you're depositing $500. I would start at $5 or no higher than $10 NL and play about 20,000 hands. If you're winning there then move up, but just to $25 NL and another 20k or so hands....etc. You get the picture. Just having the bankroll for a certain level doesn't mean you're ready for that level. Stay disciplined and move up when you can beat the level you are at now over a large number of hands. Best of luck to you man! (Also don't forget to move back down if you run bad/get pwned or whatever)