Bryan!
Banditos Gaming Member Spotlight: Bryan
Bryan
At Banditos Gaming, we're thrilled to highlight Bryan, a dedicated member whose passion for gaming and community shines brightly. Bryan took some time to reflect on his unique perspective on life and gaming.
Meet Bryan
Nickname/Gaming Alias: Zu / Bry_Bry
Hometown: The Bronx, NY
Occupation/Field of Study: Production Planner / BA in Communications
Favorite Quote: "The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world" - Half-Life 2
Fun Fact About Yourself: I once interned as a minor league baseball mascot
Connection with Banditos Gaming
Bryan first heard about Banditos Gaming when the group was active at St. Thomas Aquinas College, where Dave Eng and others introduced the vibrant world of board games to Bryan and his colleagues. The most enjoyable aspect of being part of Banditos Gaming for Bryan is interacting with other members, each bringing a unique play style that makes every game session exciting and educational. One of his favorite memories is playtesting one of Dr. Dave Eng's game concepts, "Air Sloop," where discovering a game-breaking exploit added a layer of fun and excitement. For Bryan, Banditos Gaming provides a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the work week, allowing him to relax and unwind. His favorite Banditos Gaming event is "Coffee & Cardboard," a once or twice-a-month meetup where members showcase heavy-hitter games and introduce new ones to the community.
Community and Learning through Games
Bryan believes that games have a powerful role in fostering community development by promoting diverse thinking and problem-solving approaches. He shared that playing "Codenames" taught him a valuable lesson about teamwork and understanding different perspectives. Despite being close to his teammates, he learned the importance of open-mindedness and appreciating different thought processes. Bryan's advice to newcomers in the gaming community is simple: don't be afraid to showcase your interests and dive into the diverse world of gaming.
Hobbies and Aspirations
Outside of gaming, Bryan enjoys mountain biking, playing video games like Baldur's Gate 3, and building GUNPLA model kits. He aims to use gaming as a gateway to enhance learning potential, whether in the workplace or daily life. Bryan's outgoing nature and love for conversation make him a welcoming presence in any gaming session. He invites everyone to chat with him and promises a lively discussion.
Bryan is a valued member of the Banditos Gaming community, and we are excited to see the continued impact of his enthusiasm, creativity, and love for games. Thank you, Bryan, for being such an integral part of our community!
About Banditos Gaming
Banditos Gaming is a registered 501(c)(3) social and educational non-profit organization dedicated to promoting play, community development, and learning through games. We believe in the transformative power of games to unite people, foster growth, and provide valuable educational experiences.
Our Mission:
Promote the activity of PLAY through games.
Encourage COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT through play.
Advocate for LEARNING through gameplay.
We host board games, card games, and tabletop games at various Panera Bread locations and other venues. Banditos Gaming is funded by memberships, donations, and revenue from affiliates and partners like Panera Bread.
Values Statement:
Safety: Prioritizing a secure and welcoming environment.
Fun: Ensuring all activities are enjoyable and engaging.
Happiness: Creating moments of joy and satisfaction.
Comfort: Providing a relaxed atmosphere for all participants.
Memberships:
Monthly Banditos Gaming Membership: $5.00 per month
Yearly Banditos Gaming Membership: $50.00 per year
Join us today and become a part of a community that values play, development, and learning. Your support helps us fund various charities, including Tabletop Alliance, Child's Play, UnboxEd Afterschool Program, Meeples for Peeples, and Board Games for the Better.
Support Our Mission: Please consider making a donation to support Banditos Gaming and help us continue to provide a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can experience the joy of games.
Through dedicated leaders like Fred Cabrera, Banditos Gaming continues to thrive as a beacon of community and fun. Join us in celebrating the joy of gaming and the power of play to bring people together.