I’ve always been fascinated by Australia and New Zealand. Ever since I was a child, when I watched Dot and the Bunny religiously, the wilderness of the southern hemisphere captivated me. When The Lord of the Rings came out in 2001, I remember suddenly feeling defensive about New Zealand, because I’d wanted to go there before it was cool. I never knew when the day would come, but I knew I’d get there eventually. And now I know it’ll happen next year.

When I finish my degree at Full Sail, I’ll have roughly six months to spare before I need to start paying back my student loans. I may apply for jobs at existing game studios, or I may join a startup with a few of my friends in the program. Whatever happens, I plan to spend two of those six months in Australia and New Zealand before returning to change the gaming world forever (yes, marvel at my humility).

I’d wanted to do this for a while, but I hadn’t really looked into the details of it until I discovered a kindred spirit who was just as excited about the prospect as I was. So we’re going together! For now, I’ve committed to at least one month between the two countries, but I hope to be able to stretch it a little past that if I can. When purchased a year in advance, the plane tickets are not as murderous as one would expect (think less than a grand, round-trip), and I’m trying to figure out the feasibility of couch surfing/odd jobs while there so the expenses don’t have to extend beyond the tickets themselves. Turns out to be rather convenient that I’m selling so much of my stuff; all the money is now going toward this trip.

Look at that! How could you not be overcome with the desire to go there and just disappear? My friend Jenna warned me to enter New Zealand with caution, because upon arrival I may just cancel my return ticket and never be heard from again. I guess I can consider myself lucky to be chasing a career that I’d be hard-pressed to abandon (but let’s be honest: I’d still be making games anyway).

Lots of planning, saving and preparation to do over the next year. Can’t wait.