GDC was SUPER fun! It definitely was the experience of a lifetime, something I hope will influence my future decisions in a big way. I'd like to describe three things that happened to me during GDC, the moments that had the greatest impression me, and the lessons I learned from those moments. I think these are lessons that everyone can relate to and lean from as well.
1. Hard Work. Obviously I was doing a lot of hard work volunteering as a CA, but as I was ushering out conference attendees during the "One Reason to Be" panel, I couldn't help but overhear a conversation between two of the audience members and one of the speakers. I believe one was a representative of the IDGA, and she had a young woman there with her who she proudly announced was the winner of a scholarship contest to attend GDC. I remember specifically, she said "Only the best and brightest ever win, and here she is!" This made quite an impression on me as I finished off the day. I suddenly felt like I wasn't living up to my own potential. Up until now I had shunned the hard work, or ignored stress, or didn't bother to get my hands dirty. I realized that this was a big mistake; only the hard workers are the best and brightest, and I wasn't giving 100%. How could I ever expect to succeed without really applying myself? In the coming months, I'm going to really put effort into everything I do.
2. Humility. I never intended to come to GDC with a big headed attitude, but one of the biggest surprises to me was just how many incredibly talented and brilliant people there were out there. It was awing just to be in their presence, actually. However, as a newcomer to the scene who openly admitted she knew little about what was going on, I often felt at times through the conversations I participated in not welcome to this community even though I wanted desperately to learn as much as I could. For every amazing and awesome person I met who was excited to share their craft and their knowledge, I also encountered people who would not give me or my ideas any consideration or value. Of course, I'm certainly not claiming that I am owed any kind of special treatment or attention--I too believe that I have to earn credibility and be heard amongst these professionals. I simply want to remember how terrifying it was to experience an event like this and be treated as an outsider, so when I have reached a place of respect, I can reach out to other newcomers and put as much effort as I can into making their transition a fun and easy one.
3. Inspiration.
The best part of the entire event had to be the "Experimental Gameplay Workshop". I'd never seen such fresh, amazing, unbelievably cool games in my life. The presenters were people who had managed to create something so beyond anything I was currently capable of coming up with. I'd never been so inspired! Nowadays, whenever I feel discouraged or afraid to go on in my work, I will think of those people and those games, and I'll say "That's what this is all about--I'm in this to make something like THAT".
So it's back to nosing the grindstone, as it were. But after going to GDC and discovering a new sense of purpose and direction; after learning to put in my best effort, always be considerate of others, and believe in what I am doing, I couldn't be happier grinding away!
