Q: Can you explain what it feels like to be the first-ever G.I.R.L. Game Design Competition winner?
A: I am shocked! Perhaps shocked isn't the right word in this case – it's amazing! When I sent my submission, I thought I had a slim chance of winning, but then I received the e-mail stating I was one of the finalists, so I told myself,"Alright, that is as far as I am going." Then, when I was told I won, I think my brain may have rebooted, and it hasn't worked properly since!

Q: How did you come up with your G.I.R.L submission?
A: My submission came from all sort of places, I guess. For the concept art, I read quite a bit on the setting of EverQuest® II and picked the minds of a lot of players. I am sure they'd rather be out on quests, but they were really patient in answering my "newbie" questions! As for the essay, it was mostly personal experiences with a dash of outrage.

Q: What do you hope to do after you graduate, and why?
A: I know I want to work in the gaming industry, but I am still in the early stages of my program, so there is a lot to learn before I decide on one particular path. After graduation, I hope to work as an artist and gradually move toward designing.

Q: What is your favorite online game, and why?
A: Right now, Age of Conan® has been occupying most of my evenings. I am a big fan of the Conan movies, and it does a good job in making the player feel part of the gritty and violent world.

Q: During your internship with SOE, what do you hope to learn?
A: I hope to learn more about the gaming industry and the creative process behind SOE titles. I am really looking forward to my internship with SOE, and getting some hands-on experience at such a well-known company. It's such a great opportunity.

Q: What kinds of skills have you learned from playing video games?
A: English, for starters! Having played video games most of my life, they were instrumental in learning the language. On a secondary note, they probably helped with my puzzle-solving ability and abstract thinking as well.