Outreach
Outside of my Language and International Business (LAIB) major, I’ve been deeply involved in a variety of projects and organizations that reflect my passions for technology, language, community, and creativity. From leading Clemson University’s premier hackathon to building educational tools in 3D spaces, these experiences have shaped how I approach problem-solving, communication, and global connection.
CUHackit
CUHackit has been my primary and most meaningful campus involvement throughout my time at Clemson University. Over the past three years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to grow within the organization—starting as a member of the Partnerships division and eventually serving as Co-Director during my senior year. CUHackit is Clemson’s flagship hackathon, bringing together 150–200 participants each year for a weekend of innovation, collaboration, and creativity. As an organization, we plan and execute multiple large-scale tech events annually, giving students hands-on experiences in coding, design, and teamwork.
Through my roles, I’ve gained extensive experience working with corporate sponsors and industry partners—from initiating sponsorship outreach to maintaining long-term relationships and integrating companies into the event through tech talks, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. I’ve led efforts in planning logistics, booking venues, managing prize distributions, and organizing event schedules. Whether I was coordinating last-minute changes or welcoming new sponsors to campus, CUHackit taught me how to lead with clarity and confidence, work cross-functionally with a diverse team, and deliver meaningful, high-impact events.
CUHackit has been more than just an organization—it’s been a space where I’ve grown professionally and personally, built lasting friendships, and discovered the joy of bringing people together around technology and innovation. It’s truly been a unique and transformative experience, and one that has shaped how I approach leadership and collaboration in every area of my life.
The Language Dock: An Interactive Language Leaner
The Language Dock is an interactive Unity-based game designed to create a calm, immersive space for practicing conversational language skills. Set on a peaceful dock overlooking beautiful scenery, players take on the role of a language learner who can engage in dialogue with an NPC and interact with objects around them. Using ChatGPT-powered responses, the NPC guides the conversation in Spanish, encouraging natural communication, curiosity, and exploration.
This project blends my background in computer science with my passion for language learning and education. Inspired by my own experiences changing video game language settings to practice Spanish, I wanted to reimagine language acquisition as something low-pressure, intuitive, and fun—something you can ease into, like a conversation with a friend in a tranquil setting.
I’m building this game in Unity using C#, 3D modeling tools like Blender, and OpenAI’s API to drive realistic dialogue. Every element—from the pace of the interaction to the simplicity of the environment—is carefully designed to reduce anxiety and support learners in building confidence through context and repetition. My goal is to help others enjoy the process of learning a new language the same way I have: through play, curiosity, and connection.