Some life-changing advice that @nebbiiee — a.k.a. Hana — once received is as simple as this: “Embarrassment is a choice.”

“I laughed when I first heard this,” said this BroadcastHER Academy winner. “I thought the advice was stupid, but since that day I have been reminded that it is so very true. You cannot control every aspect of your life, but you can control your reactions and your emotions. If someone in your  ‘real life’ thinks the whole ‘gaming thing’ is a joke and is ’embarrassing,’ choose to not care. Because you SHOULDN’T! You CANNOT let the opinions of others discourage you from doing the very things you want.”

This variety streamer from Georgia plays a lot of Rocket League, but what is really affirming to her is knowing that she has an audience who comes together to talk about life — and share countless little silly jokes. That’s what helps her know she is following the right path.

What is your dream in esports and gaming?

My dream has always just been to be successful in whatever avenue I choose. I have always aimed to create a platform around positivity, excitement, and quite frankly FUN! While I’m passionate about my community and streaming, I’m also passionate about collegiate esports.

I have the opportunity to be a part of one of the best collegiate esports programs in the nation (I’m only a little biased!), and I want every student to be able to have that opportunity if they so choose.

I’d love to travel around the country, starting up collegiate esports programs and equipping students with a lab and a space to compete. Along those same lines, a program specifically aimed at those in collegiate esports — one that would propel students into full-time careers in the industry — is something I would love to do.

What does being the BroadcastHER Academy winner, which includes a $1,000 grant and all-expense-paid visit to the HyperX Esports Arena to shadow, mean to you and how will it help you reach your goals?

First and foremost, this opportunity is affirming. Knowing that, out of countless entries, the team saw me and understood my passion and love for this space means more than I could ever explain.

Esports and gaming has quite frankly been a pipe dream since I was 13, and this opportunity has helped me realize that this is very much a REAL path for me. There is potential for a career in an industry I love so much. The connections I’ll gain through this fellowship are going to be extremely valuable, and I CANNOT WAIT to get to know everyone.

Women and femmes are underrepresented in gaming, broadcasting, and esports. What can we do to change this?

My immediate answer here is to focus on the next generation. Sounds odd, right?!

But, when I first started streaming — specifically Rocket League — there were very few women in the scene. Because of this, all of us knew each other, and did our best to lift each other up. I was one of the youngest by far, but everyone was always willing to help, or teach me something I didn’t know.

This sort of fellowship and mentorship with younger women in your space is CRUCIAL to help them gain the confidence to chase their dreams in the gaming world. I strongly believe that this mentor relationship would inspire so many more women to be in this space, giving them the confidence that people do have their backs and that they are welcome!

What are you most inspired by when it comes to creating encouraging content for young women and femmes in gaming, broadcasting, and esports?

I try to think about what I would’ve told myself at 13, if I had the opportunity. Whenever I create content that’s aimed to be inspiring, it is always based off advice I have heard from others, or things I’ve learned along the way.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

One of my biggest challenges is imposter syndrome, which is, quite frankly, something that I don’t think many people are exempt from. It comes from being a woman in this space — which is something I adore, but also occasionally rue at the same time.

There are times when I feel I only get opportunities because I’m a woman. “Oh, we need to pick up Hana, because she’s a great FEMALE streamer.” It can feel like I only hold value in the esports space, not for my talent or for my passion, but instead for my gender. It feels so much nicer to just be “great” without the moniker of “female.”

This imposter syndrome is also fueled by any sort of hate or pushback. The second I hear a negative comment, I find myself back in this place of feeling like I don’t belong, or don’t have a space in gaming, but that is so UNTRUE.

This is a mindset I am actively trying to fight. Having a good support system is key, and I have amazing friends and amazing mentors who remind me I’m on the right path.

What advice do you have for women and femmes who want to start broadcasting?

Go for it, and fight for it. There will be times where you think that you are not good enough and times that you doubt every ounce of your ability. But it is in those moments where you need to pick yourself up, and remind yourself how very capable you are.

Never be afraid to take up space. Be loud; be bold. Be overdressed in every room you’re in and know that you BELONG in EVERY. SINGLE. ROOM. you find yourself in.

Be unapologetically yourself and love every ounce of it. I strongly believe that if you love this industry, and are passionate enough about it, you will find (or create!) the perfect space for you.

At the end of the day, your worst enemy is going to be you. You are going to pick apart your content and be nervous that “oh! x and y could be better! I shouldn’t do this.”

Spoiler alert: It will never be perfect. If you wait until everything is perfect and the “time is right” to start, you will never start. It is scary to just take the plunge and go for it, but you need to! It’s not embarrassing; it’s not weird. It’s something you are passionate about and that’s great.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

This is tough. I’m human and I slip up… a lot. Sometimes it’s hard to be consistent with content, or with maintaining a social presence.

But, like I mentioned earlier, a support system is key. Having friends you can lean on, or rant to, or cry with, is so important. They keep me motivated and focused, because in the moments I forget what I’m working for, they remind me.

Personally, I also have a vision board. It was super-fun and relaxing to make, and offers me important reminders of why I’m doing what I’m doing every day. I’m here today because I believed in a childhood dream and just WENT FOR IT! I stay motivated for my thirteen-year-old self, whose mind would be blown if she knew what we were doing now.