The invisible struggles

New Horizons - Internship at Games Universe

Maya's internship day at Games Univers was expected to be both exciting and intimidating.

From the moment she stepped through the sleek glass doors of the company headquarters, Maya's heart beat faster. Video games had been her passion for as long as she could remember — the worlds they opened, the stories they told, the challenges they posed. Now, she was about to dive headfirst into that world, not just as a player, but as a creator in training.

The lobby was bathed in natural light, with giant digital screens looping trailers for the company's latest releases — vibrant worlds filled with epic battles, mysterious quests, and breathtaking graphics. The hum of computers and soft chatter filled the corridors. It was a modern, buzzing environment, humming with creative energy. Maya's nerves fluttered. She wondered if she would fit in.

Sarah, the manager of interns, greeted her warmly, her bright eyes and easy smile immediately putting Maya a little more at ease. "Welcome to Games Univers, Maya! We're delighted to have you here," Sarah said, offering a firm handshake. She guided Maya through the open-plan office, introducing her briefly to developers immersed in their screens, designers sketching ideas, and testers focused on gameplay feedback.

Maya nodded, smiling politely, but inside she felt a pang of hesitation. Everyone seemed so absorbed in their work, their conversations technical and fast-paced. She felt like an outsider looking in.

During her first few days, Maya tried to engage with her colleagues during breaks. She asked questions about projects, offered to help with small tasks, and tried to join casual conversations about gaming trends or favorite titles. Yet, the responses were often short or distracted, as if she were just another voice in the background. Sometimes she caught quick glances, but the mood was distant. Maya wondered if she was invisible or if her passion wasn't enough to break through.

One afternoon, after a morning spent meticulously testing a new game level and noting bugs and balance issues, Maya sat quietly at her desk, shoulders slumped. The isolation weighed heavily on her. Taking a breath, she gathered her courage and approached Sarah's office.

"Sarah, can I talk to you?" Maya's voice was hesitant.

"Of course, come in," Sarah smiled kindly.

Maya took a seat and let out a sigh. "I've been trying to fit in, but sometimes I feel like I'm on the outside. I really want to be part of the team and contribute, but it seems like my colleagues aren't very open."

Sarah listened carefully, nodding thoughtfully. "I understand how that can feel, Maya. It's not uncommon, especially in this kind of environment. Many here are deeply passionate about their work — some can be very focused, even intense, when it comes to game development. Sometimes that comes off as distant, but it's usually not personal."

She paused, then added, "Once your colleagues see that you share their passion and are serious about what you bring to the table, they'll open up. It just takes some time."

Her words were a balm to Maya's restless heart. She thanked Sarah and left with renewed determination.

That evening, Maya replayed her first weeks in her mind. A vivid flashback surfaced: sitting in her childhood bedroom, headphones on, lost in the immersive world of her favorite game. It had been her sanctuary during tough times, a place where she could forget insecurities and feel powerful. But now, the game was no longer just a refuge — it was the doorway to her future. She realized she had to bring that same dedication and passion into her real-life internship.

The next day, Maya resolved to pour herself fully into her tasks. She tested every game mechanic carefully, wrote detailed bug reports, and suggested creative improvements for gameplay and user experience. Slowly, the walls began to shift.

Her colleagues started to notice. During meetings, developers asked for her opinion on level design or player interaction. A few testers invited her to join lunchtime discussions, and after work, some gathered for casual drinks where Maya discovered they shared not only a love for games but interests ranging from hiking to graphic novels.

One defining moment came during a critical design challenge. The team was stuck on a complex level that had to balance difficulty and fun. Maya hesitated, then suggested an innovative solution combining player choice with adaptive AI to adjust the challenge dynamically. The room fell silent as her idea was absorbed.

At the next team meeting, her proposal was presented. To Maya's surprise, the team applauded enthusiastically. For the first time, she felt truly accepted — not as an intern, but as a valued member of the team.

Weeks passed, and Maya grew in confidence. She remembered a flashback to a moment early in her internship when she'd doubted herself, comparing her skills to those of her experienced colleagues. But now, she saw how much she had learned and contributed, and her pride swelled.

On the final day of her internship, the office buzzed with a mix of celebration and farewell. Sarah found Maya and smiled warmly. "You've made incredible progress here, Maya. I'm genuinely proud of all you've accomplished."

Maya's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Sarah. This internship has been more than just a learning experience — it's helped me grow, both professionally and personally."

As Maya stepped outside, the chilly air was suddenly filled with joyful noise. Elena, Lucas, and Alexander were waiting, balloons in hand, a large banner reading "Bravo Maya!" stretched between them.

"Oh wow, you came!" Maya exclaimed, hugging each of them tightly.

"We wouldn't miss it," Elena laughed. "So, how was your last day?"

They strolled to a nearby café, settling into a cozy corner. Maya shared everything — the initial struggles to fit in, the breakthrough moments, the friendships forged over shared passion and late-night conversations about games and life.

She paused, emotion thick in her voice. "This internship showed me that I'm not alone in retreating into games. But it also taught me there's so much more out there — in the real world — especially when you have friends who make it special."

Lucas smiled warmly. "We're all so proud of you, Maya. You've come so far."

Alexander nodded thoughtfully. "You faced challenges head-on and grew stronger. That's inspiring."

Elena took Maya's hand gently. "You found balance. You love games, but you've learned to embrace everything else life offers. Watching you evolve has been wonderful."

Maya felt a deep warmth spread through her. She raised her glass with them in a heartfelt toast.

"To Maya — for growth, courage, and friendship."

The glasses chimed softly, sealing a moment of triumph and unity.

In that glow of friendship and accomplishment, Maya knew this was only the beginning of her journey — one filled with passion, challenges, and the unbreakable bonds of those who believed in her.