Undergraduate / Passion for Game Development - Waterloo AIF Question 4 - Goals for Waterloo [2]

4. What is your primary goal for attending the University of Waterloo? Have you explored, been exposed to, or have experience in the field you plan to pursue and if so, how? Did you turn to anyone for advice in exploring alternative options or backup plans for your goal and, if so, how did this person help you? (150-word limit)

I want to attend the University of Waterloo to build skills and connections that allow me to one day start my own game studio. After coding my first real game in basic JavaScript years ago, I was met with positive feedback and encouragement from everybody I showed it to, including friends, family, and teachers. I saw how video games could spark joy and connection between people, and was inspired to continue making games to bring people together. My dream is to foster more of that connection and joy through publishing my own video games, and will make that impact by starting my own game studio. I plan to use resources such as the Games Institute and the Velocity incubator program to develop and release my own games, as well as customizing my degree with the Game Design Specialization to gain the necessary skills to achieve this dream.

Undergraduate / Undervalued at a hackathon - Waterloo AIF Question #3 - Experience Reflection [2]

This is my response to the third AIF question at University of Waterloo. I think it has a strong start but I'm not completely sold on the wording. Any advice would be appreciated!

3. Describe a situation where you were treated unfairly or witnessed someone else being treated unfairly. What did you do at the time and why? Would you do anything differently if the same situation occurred today? Has this event impacted or changed who you are now and if so, how? (150-word limit)

After winning my first hackathon, I was on a victory high. Wanting to feel the rush of accomplishment again, I signed up for my second hackathon. After finding a team through awkward conversation, we got straight to work. However, during development, I felt undervalued. My team picked languages and tools I didn't understand, rejected my ideas, and quickly sidelined me, making me feel useless. Knowing I was capable of more, at my next hackathon, I attended solo and built a complex rhythm game under a time crunch. I accomplished more than I thought was possible and still felt the rush of accomplishment from my first hackathon. I realized that my former teammates' actions had held me back. If this were to happen again, I'd speak up for myself, now knowing how much my self-esteem impacts my own abilities. Letting others belittle me only prevents me from reaching my full potential.

Undergraduate / My Passion for Music - Waterloo AIF question #1 [2]

My response for first University of Waterloo AIF question, any advice appreciated!

1. How (and when) did you become involved in this interest and for how long have you been involved? What have you learned about yourself from this interest? How will you apply this knowledge as a student at the University of Waterloo? (150-word limit)

Before high school, I resented music. I was forced to practice from a young age, but without passion, I lost interest. I quit piano, singing, and barely ever touched my guitar. However, everything changed in Grade 9 when I discovered an indie band based in Toronto. Their music impacted me on an emotional level, and inspired me to learn and improve my skills. For the first time in months, I picked up my guitar, and this time, I enjoyed practicing. My skills rapidly improved, allowing me to get involved with music at my school and become a part of large scale performances, concerts, and theatre productions. Finding this passion revealed that I learn best when inspired. I will use this knowledge at the University of Waterloo by finding ways to stay inspired to accelerate my learning and get me through difficult courses, challenging assignments, confusing concepts, and everything in between.

Undergraduate / Starting a music club at my school - Waterloo AIF question #2 - Community Involvement [2]

My response for the AIF question #2 for the University of Waterloo. Any advice appreciated!

2. Briefly describe a group, organization, or community that you have been involved in, are a member of, and/or have contributed to. What contributions have you made as a member of this group? Were you able to lead, influence others, and/or influence decisions for the good of the group and its goals? How has your involvement helped make this community better? (150-word limit)

In Grade 10, I joined a guitar ensemble focused on improvisation and taking solos. The group significantly helped me develop my improvisation skills and musicianship. After it ended, I wanted to help others in the same way. I started the Jam Club at my school, a club open to any and all musicians. Every meeting involves us playing music with opportunities for improvisation. I lead the club by conducting the group, making sheet music each week, and fostering an environment where people feel comfortable to push themselves, even if they make mistakes. After a while, I made the impact I was hoping to achieve. People who were previously shy to improvise, now played out with confidence, without fear of making mistakes. By leading the club, I have helped people improve their skills by allowing them to push themselves in a casual setting, strengthening the confidence in the school's music department.