As a freshman at Chapman University, I started my academic journey as an undeclared major. With so many interests pulling me in different directions, it was tough to settle on just one path. But after taking several computer science classes, I found myself really fascinated by coding and decided to focus on Game Development. It perfectly blends my creativity with my desire to produce content—something that initially drew me to Music Technology as well. I also chose to minor in Japanese Studies, wanting to learn more about my cultural heritage as someone who is half Japanese.
In the summer of 2023, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in a travel course to Japan, where we dove into the rich history and influences of Japanese animation. Visiting animation and game studios was eye-opening, and it helped me connect my studies to the game industry in a meaningful way.
Understanding that Game Development is inherently multidisciplinary, I took full advantage of Chapman’s option to design my own major. By collaborating with faculty from various departments, I crafted an interdisciplinary BFA that includes game programming, audio design, and animation/VFX. This tailored education gives me a solid foundation for my future endeavors in the industry.