Congrats! You're The First!

Going into the gaming industry, I knew I’d be one of the few Black women in the room. Did that scare me? Absolutely. But fear has never dictated my path, and it wasn’t about to start now. That’s why I was relentless in my pursuit of earning a Master’s degree in Game Design and Development at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). I’ve always been driven by a dual passion: creating immersive gaming experiences and sharing knowledge through teaching. With a Master’s degree, I knew I could refine my focus on production in game development, an area that inspires me to lead teams and manage creative visions. At the same time, I’ve dreamed of teaching and shaping the next generation of developers, opening up a possible future in education. And, of course, there’s my ultimate goal—to own my own game development company.

This degree wasn’t just a stepping stone; it was a foundation for all the dreams I’d been building. The application process was rigorous—a true test of my determination. I needed approval from my advisor, a comprehensive breakdown of my remaining coursework, reference letters from faculty, and a personal statement explaining why I deserved a spot in the program. Every step felt monumental, like I was piecing together the blueprint of my future.

FYI if you want to read my statement it's right here

Daijya Robinson's Personal Statement

As a student studying game design and development, I use my skills not only to develop video games but also to educate the next generation of game designers and developers for the future. While I study at RIT, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds on various projects. There were moments when I felt empowered, believing I could achieve anything, and others when I considered giving up. At times, I experienced a sense of isolation and feeling unwanted within my major.

However, with the support of my professors, I discovered my passion and shared it with like-minded individuals. Thanks to them, I developed a love for studio production, motivating my aspiration to run my own company and create unique games. This passion is the reason I want to run my own company and make my own games.

I want to create games that feature characters that look and act like me compared to most games you see today; these games would be able to resonate with other people of color more than ever. This goal is also a reason I go out and teach as well. I found a love for teaching with the help of my teachers and clubs as well. Through my involvement with organizations like Women in Computing (WiC), Computing Organization for Multicultural Students (COMS), and WeCode KC, I have had the opportunity to educate young minds about the marvels of game design and development. Showing them that no matter your gender or skin color, you can get involved in game design is the first step to change. I aspire to have a positive impact on my local community by instilling hope for change and becoming a role model as the next generation navigates the realms of the gaming field.

With all this preparation, it would have felt like a crime if I didn’t get accepted. After two months of waiting, I finally received the news I had been anxiously hoping for: I was accepted! Everyone around me kept saying I had nothing to worry about, but self-doubt is a stubborn companion. When I read the acceptance email, it felt like a weight had lifted off my shoulders—a mix of relief, excitement, and validation. But then, as the excitement settled, a new question emerged: had there ever been a Black woman in this program before me?

After some digging, I found out that I was the first-ever Black woman to pursue a Master’s in Game Design and Development at RIT. That realization hit me like a whirlwind of emotions. Being the only Black person in a room was a familiar experience—but being the first in the program? That was something entirely different. It wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a groundbreaking moment. I felt an immense sense of honor and responsibility. It wasn’t just about me anymore—it was about opening a door that had been closed until now and making sure it stayed open for others.

This accomplishment is proof that we, as Black women, belong in every space, even those that weren’t built with us in mind. My presence in this program isn’t just about achieving my dreams; it’s about inspiring others to chase theirs, to step into spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented, and to believe that they can succeed. Breaking this barrier isn’t just a checkbox on my journey—it’s a call to action. It’s about creating opportunities for other young Black women who dream of entering the gaming industry and making sure they know they’re not alone.

Every challenge I faced in applying to this program reinforced my determination. I want to show others that fear, while natural, doesn’t have to control us. Instead, we can use it as fuel to push forward, to break barriers, and to challenge norms. As I continue my studies, I carry this milestone with pride and purpose. I’m here not only to build a future for myself but to ensure that others can follow—and surpass—this path.

To anyone who feels like they don’t belong in a space: take up that space anyway. Dream big, defy expectations, and remember, you’re paving the way for those who come after you. Because we belong here, too. 🎮✨