All About Me

Have you ever felt the rush of hitting the clutch angle, the fear of being down 2 games in bracket or the joy of reverse sweeping your opponent?

September 2017, in the common area of De Anza community college I had just won my very first ever Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament.

 

 

This was the result of many years of playing and practicing. This was proof that my effort in this 19 year old game was not in vain.

 

 

Playing a 19 year old game is pretty unusual on its own and to compete in it as well is honestly strange.

From it's first release in November 21, 2001 to the far off year of 2020. Plenty of games have been released since it's launch and are far more popular.

However, none of those games can compare to the rush I get from playing Super Smash Bros. Melee.

The technical requirements to even play the game at a low level is so rigorous that most people find it too daunting to even start.

 

 

So, why do I play this game?

 

  

I play this game not just because the game itself is fun, but because I am a competitor.

My competitive nature is the byproduct of my environment. I was raised in a Korean household and I am the youngest of three.

My father and mother are both immigrants from Korea who came to America to create a better future for themselves.

They have faced many adversities growing up, but they never gave up. They knew that they would have to compete with people who were born in this country and have an inherent advantage.

Growing up they taught me that I am not inherently special and that I will have to work harder than other people if I wanted to succeed.

It is because of that mentality that I was able to give anything I focused on my undivided attention.

Super Smash Bros. Melee became that outlet for me. Overcoming the technical barrier gave me an indescribable rush.

I am a Korean, student, musician but ultimately I am a competitor.