#student interview

[thecompetitiveedgeblog]

Leveling Up: Inside the Rise of Esports at Endicott College

In the rapidly evolving world of competitive gaming, one student stands at the forefront, steering Endicott College’s Esports Club toward unprecedented growth and community engagement. Ben Fridlington, the current president of the Esports Club, embodies the passion and leadership that drive the collegiate esports scene forward. Hailing from Laconia, New Hampshire, Ben’s interest in gaming began at age 15 when he built his first PC. This early hands-on experience sparked a passion for competitive gaming, which began when his brother’s friend introduced him to Counter-Strike (CS), a popular first-person shooter. That experience would eventually lead him to form high school teams and guide him into leadership at Endicott. Under his leadership, the Esports Club has transformed from a small group of gaming enthusiasts into a vibrant community with multiple competitive teams and a state-of-the-art facility. Ben’s practical experience in both playing and managing esports teams gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of fostering a gaming culture on campus. His efforts to organize inclusive events, such as the Roblox Dress to Impress competition, highlight his commitment to making esports accessible to everyone, regardless of their gaming background. Beyond the campus, Ben advocates for the recognition and support of esports as a legitimate and valuable activity. He envisions a future where esports is seamlessly integrated into educational institutions, offering students opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Through his collaboration with organizations like SURGE towards Justice, Ben champions diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that the esports community at Endicott is welcoming and supportive for all. In this exclusive interview, Ben shares his journey, the evolution of the Esports Club at Endicott, and his perspectives on the future of competitive gaming. His insights offer a glimpse into how esports shapes student life, transforms education, and redefines what it means to be an athlete in the modern age.

Q & A Interview with Ben Fridlington, President of the Esports Club at Endicott College

Personal Background and Involvement in Esports:

How did you first get involved in esports, and what led you to become the president of the Esports Club at Endicott College? I got directly involved in the world of esports when I built my first PC. That was the gateway drug into the world of competitive gaming. I was introduced into this world by complete accident as well. My brother's friend was staying with us for a week while his parents were on vacation, and he hauled his gaming tower to our house and set it up on an end table we had lying around. He let me play a few games of Counter-Strike (CS) on it while he was visiting, and I was hooked. Following that, I did a LOT of research and built my own PC soon after. I first got formally involved with esports in high school. I was a founding member of the New Hampton Overwatch team and then coincidentally got involved with esports here! The only reason I ended up being involved here is I mentioned that I used to play on an Overwatch team in high school, and I ended up getting roped into meetings about the program here. As to how I became president, well, I was a member of the club, and the then-sitting president stepped away from the role so he could dedicate more time to his thesis. I volunteered to take his place, and after an informal election, here we are!

What games or genres of esports are you most passionate about, and why? The game I think I have the most experience in and have enjoyed the most is Beat Saber, a virtual reality rhythm game. The competitive scene for it is really lacking at this point, which does bum me out a little bit. As far as entertainment value goes, I love watching competitive Fortnite and CS 2 (Counter-Strike 2). I think there’s a lot of great strategizing and teamwork that goes into both of these games, and the way the events are held is amazing. One of the best esports events in history, in my opinion, would be the first Fortnite World Cup. I just remember how much buzz and excitement there was surrounding the event even outside of the gaming world. Even my parents knew about it! Esports at Endicott College:

Can you describe the Esports Club at Endicott and its role in fostering a gaming community on campus? Sure! The Esports Club at Endicott really aims to be the bridge between the competitive teams and the community. One of the events I’m really excited about was created by members of the club, not myself. We’re hosting a Roblox Dress to Impress competition, and I think it will be a great way to get people who typically wouldn’t consider themselves gamers involved. We are succeeding just by new people being in the space and around the facility. Outside of that, we hold events that are open to everybody, and currently have some field trips and visits in the works for our members that will get them out into the real-world climate of esports.

How has the esports program at Endicott evolved since you first joined? When I joined, I was playing on my own PC in my room using all my own peripherals. When we started, we were one team of five or so guys, and there was nothing else but us. Now we have a facility, five competitive teams, 20 or so players, and none of us have to worry about using our own setups. Outside of the physical changes, I think the mood on campus has started to shift as well, more towards the positive, even if we still have a ways to go. People aren’t always positive, and that’s okay. I would say there are still some people that are ill-informed about what esports is and what kind of person is an esports athlete. The “Fat, Sweaty & Smelly Gamer” from South Park best summarizes what some people view esports as, when in reality, I think the opposite is true. On the more positive side, I’ve had countless people stop by the room to ask me questions, hop on one of the PCs for a quick game, or just come to hang out. That is really what esports is about. Esports in the Modern Age:

How do you think esports have grown or changed in recent years, both on a local and global scale? I think COVID was huge for esports. People needed a distraction from the world, so they turned to gaming. Additionally, esports events could easily be held online and didn’t require people to be physically together like traditional sports do. I would expect the entire industry to shift from a niche to the mainstream in the next 5 to 10 years.

What role do streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube play in the growth of esports? Without platforms like Twitch and YouTube, esports would be dead. Free-to-access video platforms make esports content accessible to everyone. There’s no fear of not being able to watch your favorite team play like there is with the NBA. (I still cannot watch Celtics games at school even though I have an NBA subscription AND Xfinity streaming.) It’s just a lot simpler. Additionally, there is loads of supporting content on these platforms outside of just the competitions themselves.

Do you think esports will ever be as widely accepted and recognized as traditional sports? I think it will stay as its own thing, and that’s okay. Plenty of people online tune in to watch professional gambling, and that’s not a “sport.” Esports is its own category, and I think trying to force it into being something it isn’t will kill it. We, as a collective community, have to let it grow and thrive naturally as its own thing for its own good. The biggest obstacles will be the governing bodies of each game, as most of the time, these are the same companies running the leagues that made the game. I just personally feel like this is problematic, and a perfect example of it is what happened with the Overwatch League. They tried way too hard to make the city model work, and it failed miserably. The Future of Esports:

What trends do you see emerging in esports, and how might they shape the future of competitive gaming? I think we are going to see more esports in education, specifically high school, college, and summer programs. Statistically, (Fun Fact!) esports players are better students. I think the realization of this fact by administrations, parents, and the public will help with a lot of the social stigma that exists surrounding esports.

How can colleges and universities better support esports programs? Treat us like you would an athletic team. Give us a page on the website, make a roster, promote our games like football or basketball games are. Treat us as equal athletes even though our sport is different. Giving us the same amount of advertising as your other programs is the main thing. Step one to a successful program is not hiding us away in the basement and being ashamed to admit we exist. That’s what my high school did, and the program flopped only a year or two after I graduated. The administration didn’t see or support the vision for the future of the field. Personal Growth and Advice:

What has your experience in esports taught you, both as a player and a leader within the club? Advocate for yourself always. It’s a cliché, but you can get a lot of places in life by connecting with others, asking for help, and sharing what you’re good at. I think if we all did that every day, the world would have a lot of happier and more confident people.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in esports, either as a player or as part of a team or club? Just dive right in and get involved! We always need an extra set of hands! Also, find your niche. I love esports, but I am by no means a top-tier player. However, I am very skilled when it comes to building gaming computers and understanding how to best build a system that supports playing at the highest level. That’s my niche.

How do you see inclusivity and diversity playing a role in esports moving forward? I think it is crucial that we support people of every background in esports. I work closely with Endicott’s SURGE towards Justice (and am a member of that organization), and we had a great time last year running a charity esports tournament for Black History Month. On a greater scale, I believe that people and their stories are what make this world great, and that we truly can better ourselves and widen our world views by having relationships with people with different experiences than our own. That could be someone of a different gender, religion, race, or even as simple as someone from a different city or town than yourself. I mean, even at the most basic and dumb level, I was introduced to my favorite sandwich order from my Norwegian friend, and there is no way I would’ve ever come up with that myself. People have so much insight, both big and small, to offer, and by including everyone, we can present our best and true selves. So to answer the question, it is of the utmost importance that we are welcoming to everyone who wants to participate in esports because we wouldn’t be doing anyone a favor by being closed off.

[arolegos]

who let this freak get a job

[tanatola]

pathologic 3 announcement made me return to the classic game and finally play it properly! i think my favorite part of the bachelor's route is when he talks to maria kaina (or whoever's in her body at the time) and they explain that their planned Utopia isn’t even supposed to be a 'perfect' place but instead 'the mystical manifestation of a world inscrutable and inaccessible to men' going back to the original meaning of the word irl and instead of despairing Daniil fervently agrees that this kind of unimaginable leap is worth it, no matter where it actually leads

[the-vampire-lazarus]

Something I love about AMC IWTV is how intentional literally every aspect of it is. You can watch it and just tell that the writers have been looking at the big picture the whole time.

Lestat's "Put me in my coffin, Louis, Louis" in S1 and Louis' "Armand, put me in the coffin" in S2.

Claudia's birth, self-harm, and death all being fire/sun-based.

The framing of Claudia's performance as Baby Lu mirroring her death almost perfectly.

Louis and Florence behaving the same way and using almost the exact same words during confrontation.

There's so much more than this, obviously, but god, AMC really knocked it out of the park.

[sam-reid]

INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE 2.01: WHAT CAN THE DAMNED REALLY SAY TO THE DAMNED. INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE 2.03: NO PAIN.

[catholicsapphic]

Filipinos, my friends, you’re doing amazing

(Source)

[quijicroix]

Sorry not to be a camera nerd but in IWTV S2 ep2, 3 and 4 Louis in Paris having a Rolleiflex and a Leica specifically for Armand is so significant to me!!! Two cameras used at the same point in time but not by the same people.

First the Rolleiflex.

For the the Rolleiflex to work- you have to take a lil bow before your subject. This is because the viewing mirror is on top of the camera's body, so to see what the lens sees you have to incline. A lot a photographers said utilising this camera is also showing humility in front of the subject specially in street style photography (Robert Doisneau said that the Rolleiflex is like gathering images and the Leica like hunting for them, he also was convinced that the Rolleiflex was an "ethic of life and art" not betraying the subject you are trying to capture). You have to take your time and bow before them. (showing also the fact that louis struggles with not admiring humans )

Now the Leica

The Leica on the other hand put you on the same level as the model. The mirror is in a more traditional position at eye level. And is more favoured for fleeting subject, at least one street photographer as describe the Leica's style of photo as "hunting" for faces capturing the moment ( i think it's Janine Niépce or Henri Cartier-Bresson but don't quote me on this). It's really interesting that he photographs Armand with it , capture the fleeting aspect of his nature ,he is being hunted or they are hunting together ,and they are equals in Louis's eyes.

The style of photo he is taking in ep 4 is called "Humanist photography".

The mouvement in France was criticised for being a postcard image of paris, cliché, naïve and not political enough. And giving a romantic image of Paris after the tragédie of the WW2. It focuses mainly on people, often doing daily mondain activities, Humanist photography really liked cafés and bars. The paradox was despite the cliché exterior a lot of pictures were of working class people (we can see that in the pics he gives to Daniel in ep 2, louis has a very similar choice of subject mater and view of the world, taking portraits of his working class lovers and of Parisians in restaurants). The goal was to heal post war Paris and to show a new beginning. (echoing louis owns personal struggles of finding his new self and a new lover in paris, but also the rose tinted glasses he has on this time has a tourist)

Also in post war paris this is sososos significant in the history of photographie hahhahha my nerd heart is dying....

[sophisticatedaiphos]

JAMIL NEW BIRTHDAY CARD!!!1!1!11

i prefer to post all jp leaks with spoiler warnings, but the entire fandom has already seen this so- (ill put warnings for chapter 7 spoilers)

all the fanart of him using magic to put up his hair is canon!!! and it's wavy!!!1!1

Side note:

WHY DIDN'T WE GET THIS AS HIS CARD SPRITE?? THE BANGS?? HE ATE SO HARD BUT WERE STUCK WITH THE HEADBAND 😭

[emgoesmed]

12/22/2023

Pictures from a few weeks ago when I drove up to campus and spent the afternoon walking around the little town nearby.

Currently cramming all of my assignments for my online class (3/4 of which are overdue) and constantly feeling exhausted, out of sorts, and unable to get myself together. 🙃

[loumandaniel]

twenty-year old daniel’s way of seduction is so charming. here he is trying to appear worldly and intelligent in front of louis by ordering a grasshopper and showing off his linguistic knowledge. the “i have a series at the berkeley barb” boast is so precious. it’s heartbreaking because you can see the moment louis closes the human shutters on him because daniel has to die that night

[moose-beam]

I am not emotionally prepared for Saturday.

Anyways

Based on Linke's statements, it seems like Caitlyn's (loss of) optimism, positivity, and hope will be a source of conflict between her and Vi, especially since he brings up "hope" in relation to Caitlyn twice. (Interestingly, later in the interview, he brings up Jinx and hope--possible parallel between Jinx and Caitlyn?) If the (loss of) hope and optimism does appear in Act I, particularly as a source of conflict between characters, I think it's likely that the thread of hope and optimism (re)appears in Acts II and III. For Caitlyn, will there be a moment where hope, optimism, and positivity are rekindled? What might that moment be? Linke points out that, while Caitlyn is a "hopeful beacon," Vi starts their relationship as a somewhat cynical person. Will there be a reversal in attitudes between Caitlyn and Vi? Will Vi come out of her spiral as the hopeful beacon, while Caitlyn adopts a more cynical worldview?

[the-joy-of-knowledge]

How to answer tough interview questions.

Subscribing to the Harvard Business Review was one of the best decisions I made. I have learned so much about career development, personal branding, and job crafting. This article summarizes some of the questions you will get asked in a behavioral interview (courtesy of HBR) and I have included my responses to all of them. Assume I am seeking a HR role in a Fortune 500 company

Tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief?

How did you hear about this position?

What type of work environment do you prefer?

How do you deal with pressure or a stressful situation?

Do you prefer working independently or on a team?

How do you keep yourself organized when balancing multiple projects?

What did you do in the last year to improve your knowledge?

Tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief?

I grew up in small country in West Africa. I went to a great school through scholarship with the condition that I would pay it forward to the younger generation. So, after high-school I spent two years teaching math to elementary school kids. It was there I discovered my interest of people development. I enjoyed taking a kid from "I don't like math to can I get more homework? When I moved to the U.S for college I chose to study Psychology with a minor in Organizational Development. And my internship as a Human Capital Manager has allowed me to further develop my communication and leadership skills.

How did you hear about this position?

I learned about this position through Stacy Williams. She was one of the panelists on the fireside chat I convened in my school on the importance of women in leadership positions. I followed up with her through a coffee chat. She really enjoyed her job and the company culture. Her enthusiasm about her work encouraged me to apply and I am really excited to be going through the interview process.

What type of work environment do you prefer?

I thrive in environments where I am constantly learning. A place where each days brings a fresh set of challenges that I can solve. I also like working with teams where we can collaborate on tasks and brainstorm solution-oriented ideas. In my former internship I worked with an incredible team as a project manager in the human resources division and I worked on certain projects where I had full creative control on the outcome. I enjoyed the balance of both.

How do you deal with pressure or a stressful situation?

Stressful situations are inevitable and I learned to navigate them successful throughout my college career and my various internships. The first time I came across a stressful situation was in my Sophomore year. I worked as a customer service representative at a big department store and it was holiday season. You can imagine the amount of pressure - long lines of customers all waiting to get attended too. Instead of succumbing to the pressure I made sure to really understand the pain point of each customer which were long wait times and stock outs. If we were out of one brand of sparkling water, I would quickly recommend a different brand. If lines were long, I would go to the floor to help the bagging process. Customers left feeling satisfied with their shopping experience. Overtime, I have realized that the key to dealing with pressure is willingly choosing to complete the tasks with a positive mindset instead of worrying.

Do you prefer working independently or on a team?

I like a mix of both. I enjoy working on a team. The process of strategizing with my teammates on the best way to approach a problem allows for critical analysis and diverse points of view. Wh I also build camaraderie and trust with them while we tackle big problems. I enjoy working alone as well because I get to see how I approach different problems and compare my current performance to my previous ones. Working alone also gives me an opportunity to get feedback from my managers on my progress or areas of improvement. I like a balance of both.

How do you keep yourself organized when balancing multiple projects?

I am used to working on multiple projects. A typical semester for me is juggling between my classes, weekend job, extracurricular activities, and passion projects. So to stay on top of my deadlines and due dates I like to prioritize my tasks based on their level of urgency and importance. I use the time blocking method to schedule time for my projects. I take advantage of tools like Google calendar to keep track of due dates and appointments and Notion to manage big projects.

What did you do in the last year to improve your knowledge?

Last summer, I took some time off to really learn about veganism. It seemed intimidating at first because I did not know enough. So I turned to research to understand the facts. I began making home-cooked meals by following recipes from people I trusted and liked on YouTube. As I began noticing changes in my gut health and productivity levels, I started a blog to share my experiences. Now my blog has over 500 enthusiastic vegans who are on the same journey as I am. it was one of the best investment I made in myself.

The Big Pivot

[benoits-neckerchieves]

Me and my uni assignments

[rwby-confess]

Confession #411

[theunaestheticstudyblr]

If you're coming upon graduation, I have a major piece of advice to getting your foot in the door.

Apply to that job/program/position. Don't listen to the qualifications. They can't ruin your future. The worst they can say is no, you're not accepted. Some people do this as a form of rejection exposure therapy to get them more comfortable with rejection. And a lot of them are shocked at how it ended for them.

I have a job in my field before I even had a degree AND I make more than the AVERAGE salary in that field. I saw the posting on Indeed 3 years ago and applied, knowing there's no way I'd get the job. I got an interview and was so nervous and confused that I canceled the DAY OF saying I was sick and THEY RESCHEDULED the interview. I got hired on spot. I have never worked with reptiles, let alone alligators. I've never done major educational outreach stuff. And yet here I am 3 years later, making more than most aquarists and zookeepers while having a job that I love and wanted since I was a kid.

I have also applied for lab positions and didn't hear back for literal YEARS. It's always a hit or miss. But mass send those resumes and cover letters out. I don't have an impressive resume at all. I have 0 internships and have done very little field or lab work outside of classes because I just can't afford it. I'm not super bubbly and I don't have any major connections. If you get to the interview, it's all about how you sell yourself and the interviewers know when you're dressing yourself up. If you're straight up honest about most things while explaining how it can all tie in to the position and all that, you've got a great shot!

Tl;dr: apply to everything you want. They can just say no, but chances are that you will get further along than you think you will!

[angiospleen]

Got to make a vision board at work: