What made you decide to choose your specific major?
I chose Game Development and Design because I have a passion for 3D modeling and storytelling. I have spent most of my life loving both STEM and the arts equally and thought I would have to choose between the two when I went to college, but this major blends the two together perfectly!
What are a couple of your favorite things about your program of study?
I have incredibly interesting and niche classes as a Game Development and Design major. Whether it be the history of games, modeling, or the principles of design, I feel like everything I learn in class has a direct application in my field and helps me build the skills I need to get a good job in the future. The assignments are also really fun to do and inspire me to work my hardest.
What has been one of your favorite class projects?
My favorite class project was for my Game Development I class. I had to design a game that involved a wind-based obstacle course and prototype it. My TA helped create a space where it felt safe for me to take risks and make mistakes, so I decided to go completely out of my comfort zone and try 2D art when I normally do 3D art. It was successful! I made a beautiful game and accomplished things I never thought were possible for me before.
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
I spend most of my time in a large friend group who all goes out to eat and study together. When I’m not with them, I am participating in the Night Train Swing Dance group! I have a lot of fun going to weekly lessons and dancing the night away.
What was something unique about one of your summer internships? I had a summer internship with Lion Forge Animation before I applied for Purdue, and it was amazing! I enjoyed sitting in on daily and weekly meetings that taught me the day-to-day life and expectations of working in an animation studio.
What do you know about your program of study now that you wish someone had told you when you were choosing a major?
When I was first applying to Purdue, I wished that someone would’ve told me that I didn’t need to be a big gamer to be a Game Development and Design major. I was very worried about being out of place as I had only ever really played one or two games, so I thought that I would be completely out of the loop as my classmates discussed what they have played and applied it to their design. I found that plenty of people don’t play many video games when I got here, and while there is plenty of frequent game discourse both in and out of class, you can still be very academically successful and make lots of friends if you’ve never touched a console or Steam in your life.
What would be one piece of advice for prospective students or new Purdue students?
Time management is a skill you’ll be grateful to have! With classes that have both busy work and frequent challenging projects, it can be challenging to create a good work-life balance. You’re just as important as your work, so making time for both is very important. Create a schedule for yourself that accounts for classes, meals, and downtime and you’ll be golden.