Aaron has applied to attend DMA Teen Summer Camps this summer and is raising funds for his program fees. Can you help?
Aaron
Aaron
Interest:
Technology & Engineering
Grade:
12th
School:
KIPP King Collegiate High School
Location:
San Lorenzo, CA
Successfully funded on July 2nd, 2015!
Fully funded!
$1,365 raised
$0 to go
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Aaron
Aaron's Story

My passion is creating.

I've always loved building things, and my favorite toys were definitely Legos; the versatility of the studded bricks was one of the few things that could satisfy my need to build. I loved turning my visions into a reality, but it wasn't until I watched a YouTube video that creating became my passion. In this video, a boy my age created amazing things out of electricity using only scraps. At that point, I knew I also wanted to create amazing things.

Now, I take any opportunity I can to create a reality from my imagination. I joined Sustainable Earth Systems to create a greener school, and I practice Muay Thai so I can become a great Martial artist. Whether I'm creating robots or a better self, my hunger to create has turned into a true passion.

The best way to develop my passion for creating is to continue unleashing my creative side whenever I can. Attending Digital Media Academy will help me do this. I can't think of a better opportunity to be creative than with something as fun and imaginative as video game design.

Sharon
A Note from Ms. Cravanas, Aaron's Counselor

"Aaron is a good candidate for Digital Media Academy because he is focused, diligent and eager to learn more - about anything! Aaron has found internships for the past two summers that have equipped him with invaluable training and preparation for college level studies. He has also challenged himself by taking the most rigorous courses we have to offer, including 4 STEM class during his senior year – three of which are Advanced Placement. The amount of work is almost overwhelming, but he has refused to drop any of the classes. His intrinsic motivation and determination to learn as much as possible in each class will serve him well at this program."

Campaign Activity
Aaron
Aaron posted an update
September 11
Thank you for the amazing summer experience

My experience at DMA was amazing. I was not only able to make my own levels for a virtual reality game, but I learned a ton of useful skills and met plenty of nice people. An average day looked like this.

-I arrive At 9 am
-Work until 10:30
-Small 30 minute break
-Lunch
-Some more work
-Another small break
-End the day at 5

These days were the perfect mixture of learning and fun; I won't forget the break times. It was during those breaks that I became hero of the classroom. Classes steal each other's flags for prizes at the end of the program. I took this very seriously by stealing other classes' flags and winning back our stolen flags. Through endless games of volleyball and Egyptian war, I was able to help my class win.

I had so much fun during camp, the ever confusing unity engine became a piece of cake once I took the course, and what's best is that I can work on my game at home too! I will never forget this experience, and I'm very thankful for my supporters and wishbone for helping me get here.

Aaron
Aaron posted an update
June 22
Heading to Digital Media Academy

I’d like to thank all my friends and family for helping me support my Wishbone campaign. Every dollar is very meaningful to me and I am thankful for all the support. I have a very busy summer ahead, but I’m most excited for my week at the Digital Media Academy. I will be attending the Digital Media Academy workshop for Virtual reality video game development. I chose this program because the DMA allows me to combine my love of technology and video games with my love for building. I can truly unleash my creativity and express myself this summer with this opportunity to develop virtual reality games.

I’ve never experienced a virtual reality headset such as the Oculus Rift, but it is becoming very popular and looks extremely fun. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by a perfect dream world and play their favorite games? Even better, who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by a group of bloodthirsty monsters and have the opportunity to chop them down? It’s these sorts of options that really draw me to the Digital Media Academy. I can truly use my own creativity to design a game and a world that represents who I am.

I look forward to learning skills I can use in my free time. Since I’m going to college, I expect to have a lot of classes, and a lot of free time. With skills I learn from the Digital Media Academy, I won’t have to waste away during my free time. I’ll have an edge on my peers because I already have skills I learned from the DMA, that’s what I’m most excited about.

I’m very glad to be a part of this amazing program and want to thank everyone who supported me and Wishbone, this is an amazing opportunity that I will make the most of.

Success! Ms. Cravanas helped Aaron raise $1,365
July 2
Anonymous donated $1,115
July 2
Pearly Epp donated $50
May 23
Stephanie Nguyen donated $100
May 19

Aaron, my SCP mentee, so impressed with your desire to continue to grow and explore your passions. Happy to support and you must debrief after you attend Digital Media Academy!

Anonymous donated $100
May 13
Sharon
Ms. Cravanas started this campaign
May 13
Aaron
Aaron was accepted into Wishbone!
February 3