Hey there! Welcome to the start of something new—for both of us. If you're reading this, you're joining me on a journey that's just beginning to unfold. I'm excited (and a bit nervous) to share my experiences as I navigate grad school at The Ohio State University (OSU). So grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's your thing), and let's dive in!
Who Am I?
For those who don't know me, I'm a recent graduate from OSU, where I studied Computer Science and Engineering with a minor in Game Studies. My passion has always been to create engaging interactive stories, and that passion led me to pursue a graduate degree in Interactive Media and Digital Animation here at OSU.
Throughout my undergrad years, I explored how technology can merge with storytelling. I've had the incredible opportunity to work on various interactive projects—from developing tools to assist in Unity projects, creating AR training tools for ballroom dancers, to working on narrative-driven games and AR-based industrial applications. I've also dipped my toes into the gaming industry through a part-time position at the indie startup AfroDuck Studios and by volunteering at Columbus' game convention, GDEX.
When I'm not buried in code or design work, you'll probably find me indulging in my side interests: board games, ballroom dance, West Coast Swing, theatre, Lindy Hop, or musicals. Yep, I'm a bit of an arts enthusiast!
Why Grad School at OSU?
You might wonder why I chose to continue at OSU for grad school. The answer is simple: I wanted to delve deeper into applying my technical skills to artistic projects that can make a real impact on people. I'm fascinated by emerging technologies like Extended Reality (XR) and Motion Capture, and how they can be used in combination with performing arts like dance and theatre.
Ever since I played Life Is Strange, I've been captivated by the power of interactive media in storytelling. That game had such an impact on me that I hope to one day create something that resonates just as deeply with someone else.
What's This Blog All About?
So, why start a blog now? Great question! I've never done this before, but I figured it was time to try something new. I wanted to create a breadcrumb trail of my grad school experience—to reflect on what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, and what I hope to achieve next. Plus, it's a fantastic way to keep friends, family, and anyone else who's interested updated on my journey.
Structure and Goals
Here's the game plan:
Weekly Updates: I'll be posting every Friday, summarizing the key highlights of the week—projects I'm working on, technologies I'm exploring, and any interesting experiences along the way.
Experimenting with Blogging Techniques: Since I'm new to this, I'll be trying out different blogging styles and formats to see what works best. Feedback is always welcome!
Documenting the Path to My MFA Thesis: Ultimately, this blog will serve as a development log leading up to my final thesis project to earn my MFA in Design.
Why Start Now?
I know, starting a blog a month into grad school might seem a bit delayed. But hey, better late than never! The past four weeks have been a whirlwind, and I've finally decided to sit down and document it all. This first post is going to be a bit longer than the ones to come—consider it an extended prologue catching you up on everything that's happened so far.
Looking Forward
I'm genuinely excited about what's ahead. From diving deeper into XR and game design to exploring motion capture and its applications in performing arts, there's so much to learn and share. And who knows? Maybe my experiences will inspire someone else to follow a similar path.
Join Me on This Journey
So there you have it—a glimpse into who I am and what this blog is all about. I hope you'll stick around and join me as I navigate the ups and downs of grad school, experiment with new technologies, and work towards creating something impactful.
Feel free to drop a comment, share your thoughts, or ask any questions. After all, what's a journey without some good company?
Until next time,
Skye (Them / Them)
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