Join us for another in a series of interviews with winners of awards from our 2024 Awards Ceremony. Our goal is to give you insight into how our fleet’s best simmers write, and imagine their characters as well as their out of character contributions and achievements.
This month we’re interviewing the writer behind Lt. Commander Robin Hopper playing a female Human/Centauran serving as Chief Science Officer assigned to Amity Outpost. He won the Northern Star Award, given to members holding the rank of Lieutenant or Lieutenant Commander who show constant commitment to the fleet as members of task forces and through our other fleet endeavors. Officers awarded the Northern Star are vital to the success of our fleet, showing their support and enthusiasm for their crews and our community through their tireless efforts.
S. Richards: You are no stranger to being interviewed for all of your efforts in our community. What I want to know is what do these awards you’ve received mean to you?
Hopper: Oh gosh… I think when I started out here I didn’t realize just how much of a true community this group actually is. I was too shy, I think, to really connect on that level. But over time, as I got to know more people here, especially as I made friends throughout the fleet, I was able to ‘come out of my shell’ and I think that’s something that’s so special to me about this group; That I’ve found a space I can be authentic and vulnerable, and people that I can trust and call true friends. That’s so unexpected and so valuable to me that I can’t help but feel motivated to give back my time and energy where I can.
All of this is to say that getting recognition here feels great because it tells me that the people and community that have had a deep and unexpected impact on me are feeling I’m giving something back that is worthwhile, and I love that.
Based on the awards you’ve received It’s easy to see you are an integral part of our community! To what do you attribute your meteoric rise?
Meteoric? I don’t know if I’d say I’ve experienced a meteoric rise. You know, we all participate at the level and in the ways that work for us – this is different for everyone and can change for each of us over time. It’s definitely changed for me over time. There are folks who I would say I’ve seen develop their simming potential, expand the ways they participate in the community, and earn promotions within their ship and the fleet faster than I have (and well deserved!)
In fact, I’ve tried to be really conscious of my own strengths and capacities and limitations and be honest with myself and my fellow players. Maybe ironically, there have been quite a few times where I’ve made it clear that I’m not in any hurry to ‘climb the ranks’ and that I don’t actually have aspirations for my own Command. I think in some ways those things might have actually helped to slow things down for me. But I think that’s a good thing, because I have had the advantage of a lot of time to observe and learn and absorb wisdom and experience from time playing and talking with some really smart people here. So, rather than meteoric, I’d say I’ve taken things at my own pace and I’m excited about where that will take me next.
The Northern Star Award is given to people who are considered a “vital part to the success of our fleet, showing their support and enthusiasm for their crews and our community through their tireless efforts” How do you go about showing that support and enthusiasm?
Haha, I think I’m a naturally enthusiastic and supportive person. It’s easy for me, I guess! That said, I’d say it’s only easy for me here because I feel comfortable being my authentic self around all of you. It’s kind of a vulnerable thing to be openly enthusiastic and to throw yourself into things, especially make-believe, so wholeheartedly – but that’s one of the things that is so lovely about this community and the people in it.
To that end, I think one of my driving forces here is just to try and make everyone else feel as seen and appreciated as I have been made to feel; to connect genuinely with and give my time to new members of our fleet in the same way I would give my time and attention to more established players; and to be really open and transparent about my endeavours and how I approach situations.
What bit of advice do you have to people who are wanting to rise in the ranks and become as successful as Robin Hopper?
Take your time. It’s not a race. Find people in the fleet who you think are great role models for the type of player and leader you want to be and get to know them, ask them questions, learn how they do what they do. We have a lot of systems in place here for people looking to gain that experience, if you have the capacity and the energy – and maybe most importantly, the patience – for it. At the same time, this requires a lot of self-reflection and honesty too. Do you have the time? Do you have the energy? Remember that the answers to these questions don’t have to be static. Maybe you don’t right now, but you will later. That’s okay!
Finally, ask yourself why you want it. Do you want to be a leader because of the storytelling opportunities it affords, or the ability to direct the game and your fellow players – or do you want to help other people realize their potential and facilitate the game for your ship? Ultimately, that’s what moving up here is really all about, so bear that in mind.
So what’s next for Robin? We have watched her bloom into an amazing Lt. Commander, where to now?
In many ways, I’m reaching the ‘end’ of a lot of the plans that I have for her! Which doesn’t at all mean I’m nearing the end of her journey or my intention to keep playing Robin. Actually, it’s sort of exciting for me because now that I’ve kind of laid the foundation for who I want her to be and the relationships I want her to have, (all of which involved a lot of communicating and planning and adapting with my fellow players), I’m now at a point where I’m content to let the story carry me in unexpected new directions.
She’s definitely nearing turning points in her career, in her development as a leader in Starfleet, and in her personal life as well… I dunno, there’s no shortage of good-spirited gossiping in the SB118 fleet these days; Maybe I’ll let the people provide me with inspiration! Should we get some rumours started? Hahahahaha…
Thanks for your time, Lt. Commander Hopper!
You can read more about Robin Hopper on the wiki.
