Going To My Dream College

There are moments in life that feel like they come straight out of a video game—a pivotal checkpoint, a boss battle conquered, or a treasure chest opened. For me, getting accepted into the Game Design and Development program at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) during the chaos of 2020 was one of those moments. It was the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and a vision for the kind of world I want to create—not just in games, but in the industry itself.

Growing up, games were more than just a hobby for me. They were worlds to explore, challenges to overcome, and stories that made me feel deeply connected. Yet, I didn’t see many people who looked like me creating these experiences. As a young woman of color, I knew that the gaming industry needed more voices like mine—voices that could bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and inclusive stories to the forefront.

That’s when I discovered RIT’s Game Design and Development program, one of the top programs in the country. I immediately knew this was the place where I could grow, innovate, and turn my dreams into reality.

Like for so many others, 2020 was a year of uncertainty and upheaval. The pandemic turned everything upside down. Schools closed, events were canceled, and the world felt like it was on pause. But for me, the year also brought an incredible opportunity to focus on my future.

With quarantine keeping me at home, I poured myself into my RIT application. It felt like assembling the ultimate RPG party, but instead of finding allies, I was gathering skills and accomplishments. I worked tirelessly on my portfolio, showcasing my passion for storytelling, creativity, and technical skills.

The isolation of the pandemic wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, wondering if I was doing enough or if I could compete with others. I reminded myself that my unique perspective was my strength. Every late-night study session, every game jam I participated in, and every lesson learned brought me closer to my goal.

When the acceptance letter arrived, it felt like a beacon of light in a dark year. I remember sitting in my room, staring at the screen, unable to believe what I was reading. Amidst all the uncertainty, I had secured my place at RIT.

Getting into my dream school during such a challenging time reinforced my belief in resilience and determination. It wasn’t just about being accepted—it was proof that even in the hardest of times, pursuing your dreams can lead to incredible rewards.

Now that I’m at RIT, the journey has only just begun. I’ve faced challenges like being the only woman of color in my classes, but I’ve also found opportunities to lead, learn, and grow. From designing sci-fi horror games to mentoring young students through Women in Computing, every step has reinforced my belief that I belong here.

To anyone dreaming big: believe in your voice, your vision, and your power to create. The road won’t always be easy, but the milestones along the way are worth it. Getting accepted to RIT during COVID wasn’t just about joining a program—it was about overcoming adversity, staying focused, and becoming part of a community of creators ready to shape the future of gaming.

Here’s to new challenges, epic quests, and the dreams we turn into reality. 🕹️