Because my background is in engineering and computer science, I have a more technical knowledge and understanding of digital media design. That said, during my first academic year here at UConn, I hope to start gaining the artistic skills I need to create the animations and games I dream about. In particular, modeling and animating believable characters and realistic environments in both 2D and 3D. I would also like to participate in an internship at an animation studio, as I have never done this before. Finally, I hope to meet people who share my interdisciplinary interests to collaborate with and bounce ideas off of, new friends to play video games with, and industry experts to expand my professional network.

At Greenhouse Studios, I hope to gain the experience of working on a professional creative team. The types of projects I would like to work on are ones that revolve mainly around story and character development, whether for films, games, or books. I would also like to work on any project that incorporates augmented reality and virtual reality. Some contributions that I would like to make at the studio include introducing and elevating Black stories and perspectives, and helping to diversify Greenhouse Studios’ body of work.

I am curious about where students end up after working at Greenhouse Studios. Do they go on to create their own studios? What other companies do they get hired at? Do they stay on at Greenhouse Studios for years?

After graduation, I see myself doing an apprenticeship or trainee program—or other early career opportunity—at an animation studio such as Walt Disney, Pixar, or DreamWorks, after which I might get a permanent position at the company or other up-and-coming company. For example, Netflix Animation, which is particularly supportive of Black artists, or Penrose Studios, an innovative company that produces virtual reality films. 

If I had no constraints and unlimited resources, however, I would have a very flexible job, one that is almost entirely remote, allowing me to work from any location and travel around the world, particularly to Japan. I would study how other countries and cultures tell stories to broaden my mind and enrich my own works. I would maybe even create my very own studio, and produce lush, beautiful animations reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, but with Black characters.

A huge hobby of mine is writing. I absolutely love storytelling and am working on a science fiction and fantasy book series for young adults about diverse characters who engineer dreams and ride around in hot air balloons. I plan to transform locations from the story into virtual reality environments that readers can physically explore. To me, details are everything in a story, and I want readers to fully immerse themselves in the lives of their favorite characters. 

Another fun fact about me is that I traveled to Ghana in May 2022, an amazing experience that has made me eager to incorporate the bold, colorful beauty I witnessed there into the development of my own unique animation style.