Join us for another interview in a series that highlights the winners of awards from our 2401/2024 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 Serala, playing a Human/Romulan hybrid Captain assigned to the USS Chin’toka. She won the Staff Member of the Year Award: “Awarded to Staff Members who have contributed tirelessly to the organization through any number of Out of Character channels, while maintaining excellence in simming on their vessel.”
DeVeau: In your last interview, you told us about some of the different RPGs you’ve played in over the years. Would you mind sharing us some memorable characters and moments from those games?
Serala: Well, Alora, we don’t really have the time or space for that, but I will try and narrow it down to just one or two. I once played a female elven Ranger in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons™ named Shawna that I really loved. I also had a female human wizard that I took from 1st Level all the way through to demigod status and had to continue using her as an NPC in future campaigns. I also had a drow elf rogue/necromancer named (shocker here!) – Serala. Now, she was definitely fun to play, albeit she was much more evil than the Serala we all know and love today.
When you joined SB118, where did you see yourself going at that time versus where you are now?
Serala: I’m there. Honestly, I didn’t think I would get it quite this quickly, but I kind of had Captaincy in mind from day one. Now, I think I am going to enjoy the hot seat for a bit. Maybe shoot for Commodore, but one step at a time. I love being a Captain, so I don’t want to rush things.
What are some positions you have held in the past and currently hold as a staff member in SB118, and how did you come to fulfill these roles?
Serala: In character, Serala has been a Tactical and Security officer, sometimes both, and a Strategic Operations Officer before becoming a First Officer for the Atlantis, Chin’toka, and Astraeus. OOC, I have been the Chat Team facilitator for some time now, as well as a member of the Image Collective (which I just recently became co-facilitator of), Taskforce Coordinator, Training Team Member, and Academy Statistician.
You’ve been a staff member for several years and have weathered several storms. As a person in a position of leadership, what is the best way to respond when bad things happen?
Serala: This is such a great question to ask me. By nature, I am a very reactive person, just like Serala. However, I have had to learn to just take a step back and breathe. Let my thoughts simmer down until I can think rationally, then make a calm, decision that isn’t based on emotional reaction. On the other hand, some things that have happened have just had natural steps for me to take. For example, several years ago when the Chin’toka was launched the first time, our CO at the time decided to suddenly retire. I was still a Lt. Commander at the time and knew I couldn’t assume permanent command. While a part of me was panicking, there really seemed only one thing to do – reach out to the EC for guidance – which is what I did. Another thing that I do is have a few people that I can trust to vent to. These are people I can count on to keep my venting personal, and that I can feel free to express myself to. It helps. I don’t know if everyone has that option, but I am fortunate enough to have a few people in my life that I can do that with, and who will listen without judgement. Sometimes they even give me some good advice and perspective.
One of the things Admiral Roshanara Rahmen mentioned was how the nominations “highlight his work as a patient and thorough mentor”. Do you have any advice on how to cultivate our patience and understanding when working with others?
Serala: For me, rule number one – get to know the player. I try to establish a dialogue with my mentees right from the start. I want them to feel comfortable with me so that when I do have to provide them with any kind of feedback they will understand that it is coming from a place of me trying to help them succeed and not a place of judgement, criticism, or condemnation. I don’t want my players to dread my communications. I want them to look forward to it and to say, “you know, he has a good point,” or “I never thought of it that way.” Or even feel free to say, “with respect, I disagree and here’s why…” I don’t mind that either, because they might have something that I never thought of. It’s a matter of recognizing that I am not infallible. I make mistakes too and I don’t have all the answers. Rule number two is – Breathe. I just mentioned it, but I am reactive so I need to take time to think about my response. I do this with work too, where I coach and mentor my employees in a manner very similar to what we do here.
For those who are hoping to not only increase their rank, but also their participation in our community and some day become staff members, what advice would you give them?
Serala: For Ensigns, I only advise them to focus on their character and writing. Take time to really nail down our style and develop your character. After that, I suggest becoming more and more involved, but don’t do too much. You don’t want to burn yourself out. Pace yourself, but also look at how you can help out. There is always something that needs to be done, so jump in and volunteer. If you don’t know what, ask your mentor or ship staff and I am sure they can find something.
Thanks for your time, Captain Serala!
You can read more about Captain Serala on the wiki.
