“A lot of eyes are on us—some are cheering us on and others are skeptics of ‘competitive video games[.]'”

– Harrison Smith, videographer, Humber College Esports

Every year, Humber College Esports (HCE) hosts try-outs for students to play on collegiate teams. Then, successful candidates compete in games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Call of Duty and Rocket League.

But HCE isn’t just about competitive gaming.

To prove it, we interviewed three students to learn more about the perks of being involved with HCE. Here’s what they had to say:

Meet the players

Adam Schierau 

Second-year | Humber College | Film and Television Production Advanced Diploma

Adam Schierau, HCE videographer
Photo courtesy of Adam Schierau.

Harrison Smith |

Third-year | Humber College | Film and Television Production Advanced Diploma

Harry Smith, HCE Videographer

Photo courtesy of Harrison Smith.

Kenneth Padilla |

First-year | Humber College | Fitness and Health Promotion Diploma

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Coach Ken (@fohken2099)

Enhance your portfolio

Schierau and Smith are videographers for HCE. Here’s what they had to say about how being involved with HCE has allowed them to practice skills related to their program. 

“I am able to contribute my skills as an editor towards something I’m passionate about,” said Schierau. “…it’s been a really good way for me to hone my skills…while I’m studying film.” 

Harry Smith performing videography work

Photo courtesy of Harrison Smith.

“[HCE] has been a central part of what I do since my first year,” said Smith. “I’ve met a lot of great people that have become close friends [and] I’ve been able to build a portfolio to show potential employers.”

And as for Padilla, being the the Head Coach of HCE’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team, Padilla has been able to practice and apply team management skills.

“I get to coach and motivate competitive student athletes in their respective esports,” he noted. “I have the privilege to merge my love for gaming with meaningful volunteering.”

In other words, HCE allows Padilla to interact with the student community through esports events and enhance others’ student experiences. 

Make new friends

Above all, community is the core of any organization.

(Psst—that clip features videography by Smith. Talk about enhancing your portfolio!)

Collectively, the members spoke about HCE being a fun place full of passionate people.

“Everyone I’ve met has been kind and friendly, passionate about gaming and esports as well as driven,” said Schierau. “There have been tons of times where the community would set up a friendly tournament for games like Smash Bros. and Rocket League[.]”

And, Padilla says, the HCE Discord server gives students a place to play games and share jokes, memes and campus information. That’s especially important these days, he points out, because many students “…don’t always have the opportunity to come to campus.” 

Similarly, Smith says, at the end of the day, it’s really about playing games with friends. In fact, HCE focuses equally on competition and fun.

Get involved

Finally, the students gave some advice to anyone interested in joining the HCE community.

Schierau’s advice is to simply be yourself and find people you enjoy playing with. It’s that easy.

Plus, you don’t have to become a full-fledged member to be involved—it’s as simple as joining the HCE Discord server! Students looking to volunteer can reach out to student leaders on Discord. When doing so, Padilla advises having a gaming initiative in mind that you’re passionate about and interested in leading.  

“When I first joined, I heard Geoffrey Lachapelle say the words that would ring in my head throughout my tenure,” said Smith. “‘You get to define the value of esports.'”

Because esports is still a relatively new concept, Smith continues, “…the scene needs driven, passionate people that can show the value in what we do.”

If that sounds like you, get in touch with HCE @EsportsHumber on Twitter and Instagram! The organization scouts students to fill roles like coaches, analysts, student co-ordinators and media personnel. So, whatever your area of expertise, they have a position for you. 

Above all, a love of gaming is the most important thing.

Keep up with all things esports on HCE’s Twitter and Instagram and find them on Discord, Youtube and Twitch. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

 

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