One of my earliest memories is a fuzzy recollection of an Autumn evening, eating roasted pumpkin seeds freshly out of the oven while sitting on the couch watching my dad play Super Mario 64. This is when my fascination with video games really began. I always was an “A” student, but I must admit it was Pokémon Diamond that really taught me to read – with ample help from my parents of course.

For as long as I can remember, video games have been there for me, both as entertainment and inspiration. Even today, it’s not uncommon to find me listening to game OSTs while working, or watching game-related content on YouTube during my meals. Games are as much a part of my life as anything else, so it’s no surprise that when it came to choosing a career path, I wanted to get involved with the medium that has been such a big part of my development.

It was my ambition to work in the games industry that attracted me to the University of Utah. Since my high school graduation occurred at the height of the pandemic, I started college without ever even stepping foot in Utah, let alone on the university’s campus. The U’s Entertainment Arts and Engineering (EAE) program, dedicated to the study and practice of game development, was what drew me there, even with most of the country in lock-down.

This program is different from other games programs. Instead of focusing solely on the engineering side or the artistic side, EAE is designed as a blend of both. In my time at Utah, I’ve been able to hone my programming skills as well as increase my proficiency as an artist, something that would be difficult in other programs. In addition to EAE, I have also been able to pursue coding by means of a Computer Science minor, which has worked with my EAE major beautifully.

Games have always been my passion, but I have always had a deep love for the more traditional Arts as well. I love to draw in my free time; I also have a great love of music. I have been in musical groups for most of my life, from Concert Choir and musical theatre in high school, to a cappella in college. I also enjoyed being a part of my high school’s comedy improv team.

The Arts have given me many opportunities to do creative, collaborative work with my peers. One of my favorite memories is from theatre, senior year of high school when I was part of an award winning, 8-minute, a cappella rendition of the Broadway show Wonderland by Frank Wildhorn (see video - I am in the blue shirt and black pants). Its very rewarding to see how a team can come together to create something greater than any individual could do alone.

My family and I love to travel, and I have been lucky enough to have visited countries like the Netherlands, Italy and Greece. There is truly something incredible about interacting with other cultures, trying the local cuisine and being exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking. The world is a rich tapestry, with interesting and unique perspectives everywhere you go, and I am always grateful for the opportunity to go new places.