Three short weeks ago I nervously sent my application for the Frag Doll Cadettes Program to Ubisoft.  I almost didn’t do it.  While contemplating I confided in my husband, “I’m 40.  I think I’m a bit too old to apply.  I’m not what they are looking for.”  My husband succinctly replied.  “Fuck too old.  Let THEM decide if you’re too old.”

With such insight, how could anyone NOT love the guy?

Let me give you some back story.  Just about a year ago Ubisoft’s all-female professional video gaming team, The Frag Dolls, held a casting call — they wanted two new members of their team.  When I saw the blog post announcing the casting call, I was immediately interested.  Video gaming has been a passion of mine since I was eight years old.  Suddenly the flashbacks of endless hours of Pong, Halo, and Unreal Tournament seemed as though they might actually pay off.  Sadly, I wasn’t selected to be a Frag Doll and I thought my opportunity to take my passion for gaming to another, more legitimate level had passed.

For those of you who don’t know what the Frag Doll Cadette Program is, I will briefly bring you up to speed. The program is like an internship for female gamers provided by Ubisoft and the Frag Dolls. Only 12 lucky ladies are selected for each class of the program, so the chances of being selected are quite slim.  Here’s what’s great about the program:  Frag Doll Cadettes are sent to industry events, offered support in pursuing a career in gaming and getting into the competitive gaming circuit; and much, much, more.   Needless to say, I saw the Cadette program as an excellent opportunity for not only me, but also The Pink and Deadly Podcast.

I was very aware of the Frag Doll Cadette program on February 2^nd when I received an email addressed to several women who had shown interest in the Frag Dolls in the past.  It was a nice reminder from one of the Dolls, Phoenix, that they were taking applications for their Cadette Program.  After my husband’s words of wisdom regarding my age, I decided to take the plunge and go ahead and apply.  The application process took some time.  I had to send the Frag Dolls my resume, gaming history, and a video interview no more than three minutes long answering three specific questions:

1. What is my favorite thing about playing video games?
2. What would make me a great Cadette?
3. What is my five year goal?

I have decided to share my interview video with you all here.  Please be kind!  I had video camera failure and had to resort to using my web cam.

Frag Doll Cadette Video Interview

After I submitted my application I had to play the waiting game.  If my application wasn’t approved I’d have to work on whatever was needed to get it approved.  Once approved, I was allowed to move on to final selection for the Cadettes Program.  Thankfully, my application was approved and knowing that the announcement of the Spring 2010 Frag Doll Cadettes was taking place the first week of March, I had to sit tight, be patient, and see what happened.

Imagine my delight when yesterday, March 4^th, I received a phone call from Adam Chun, the Frag Dolls’ Events Manager.  I had been one of the 12 girls selected for the Cadettes program!!!

I’m beyond excited about the incredible opportunity I’ve been provided.  I’m eager to learn about the gaming industry, go to some kick-ass events (I’m talkin’ PAX and/or E3 here folks), and meet some amazing female gamers along the way.

I want to thank the following people for the incredible support they offered me during the application process:

My husband, Adam – I couldn’t have done any of this without you.  If you hadn’t urged me to apply, I wouldn’t have nearly crapped my pants when I received the call from Ubisoft.  I love you, babe.

Dawn – You have been amazing through this.  I’m sure you were sick of hearing me talk about my nervousness and anxiousness day after day.  Thanks for putting up with me during what was (and no doubt still is) a very intolerable phase of mine.

Chelle and Alica – You two have turned out to be two of my closest friends.  Thanks for the encouragement – and thanks for being the best damned podcast co-hosts a girl could ever have.

Steve – Every day since I told you I’d applied for this internship you asked me if I’d heard anything from Ubisoft.  Thanks for caring so much for my happiness.

I also want to take the time to tell some of my fellow applicants that I’ve enjoyed getting to know them:

Cheri

Frances

Michelle (Sunie)

Jessica

Melonie

Kimberly

Rachel

Unfortunately some of you won’t be joining the Cadettes for the Spring 2010 class, but please apply for future classes if you weren’t selected this time – chase your dream, ladies! To those of you who were selected – congratulations!

You can check out all of the Spring 2010 Frag Doll Cadettes here:  http://fragdolls.com/index.php/blogs/category/brookelyn