Satu Gillispie wears many hats. She’s a full-time student with a full-time job. She’s a mother and a grandmother. She’s a freelance designer and an avid gamer. 

Gaming is no mere hobby. It was Satu’s passion for video games that first inspired her to pursue a career in digital design. “I was trying to figure out how to make games,” Satu said, “how to make what I was playing.”

From Hobby to Career Path

Her interest in gaming goes back to the 1980s, when she was growing up alongside the new art form. When she became a mom, video games took a back seat. But after a long hiatus, Satu found herself with more free time—just as Sony’s PlayStation 2 hit the market. Her passion was reignited.  

She knew her path started with more education. Satu completed her associate degree at the Community College of Aurora, where she first learned about CU Denver’s College of Arts and Media. She recognized immediately that this could be a steppingstone to her dream career.

“I Refuse to Fail Myself”

Satu’s path hasn’t been easy. In addition to supporting herself through college, she has also supported her daughter and grandson. At one point, she had to put classes on hold. But she never lost sight of her vision. “I refuse to fail myself,” Satu reflected. “Once I set a goal and I tell myself ‘you’re going to do this,’ it may take a while but it’s going to get done.”

Satu’s hard work paid off—and her path got a little easier—when she received a series of scholarships at CU Denver, including one from the Melvin & Elaine Wolf Foundation. “Receiving this scholarship means that I can live comfortably and continue to assist my daughter financially with my grandson while finishing my degree,” she said.

Matching External Support with Internal Drive

In addition to scholarships, Satu has found support in CU Denver’s people. She calls Michelle Carpenter, Chair of the Visual Arts Department, “one of those professors who takes the time to make sure you understand for YOU.” When Satu was ready to resume classes at CU Denver, it was Carpenter who wrote her a letter of recommendation. “She’s just awesome,” Satu said.

What keeps Satu moving forward? “I just keep my eye on the prize, which is walking across that stage,” she said. “Focus on the goal. Focus on what you want to do, and it will get done.”