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“As a person who is still developing himself and working toward his future, I think it is important for me to cultivate and pass on the many lessons in life that I have so that others who come after me can be fruitful in their similar endeavors.” - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville senior David Sissac.

Just one interaction with Sissac makes it abundantly clear that he is a motivated, high achiever who radiates kindness. The St. Louis native, is a Difference Maker by all accounts. His pursuit of happiness isn’t only about working toward his personal and professional aspirations, but also about inspiring others to be well and do good.

The psychology major and creative writing minor aspires to become a clinical therapist and author. But his passions extend into the gaming world, too. That’s one of the places he’s found a niche, and his involvement has earned honorable recognition as a Difference Maker.

“David is an exceptional leader as he is the Esports Club President and has done phenomenal work,” said junior Ben Wilke. “During a pandemic, David and other students successfully delivered a 12-hour Black Lives Matter (BLM) Charity stream that raised $1,000. Within the club, he is extremely welcoming to new members and will help them in any capacity. He truly cares for the further development of the student organization, and I am glad to know him during my time at this University.”

To these words, Sissac humbly replied with a shared respect and appreciation for Ben and others in the Esports Club.

“This program has become a significant portion of my life, due largely to the wonderful people I have met along the way,” he said. “Through gaming, I have become a teacher, student and mentor, and overall a more whole person, as the experiences in this field have shaped a good amount of who I am. Being the president of the Esports Club is a privilege. I have been able to meet many talented and kind people. SIUE is a special place, and the students that I work with on a daily basis make the difficult parts infinitely more worth it.”

Like all activities associated with the University and beyond, the pandemic has required leaders to creatively adapt to achieve continued involvement and connectedness. Noting the natural composition of the gaming community provided for a smoother transition of activity, Sissac still worked hard to ensure he and his club members could enjoy their shared love for gaming.

“We have been more fortunate than other clubs with switching to an online format,” he explained. “Many of our members are active in our community discord server, in which we have been hosting community game nights, discussions and events. During this pandemic, it is important for our campus organizations to bolster their sense of community, as well as plan ahead for the future.

“A few other club members and I have been documenting, planning and making connections for those who will come after us, so the program can maintain its growth and momentum. We are also trying to take more initiative with our younger members, as I want freshman and transfer students not to have their first year at college be filled with isolation and Zoom lectures. A big part of hosting our events is creating memorable moments for the members of our club.”

The BLM Charity Livestream, coordinated by Sissac, was the club’s most successful live broadcast on Twitch to date.

“My personal interest and investment in the events of this summer as an African American male aside, the BLM Charity Livestream was something we collectively felt we had to do,” he explained. “Activism and constructive discourse are things that are typically not taught to us. They are learned by chance during the course of our lives. For those who felt shaken or paralyzed by the events, I wanted them to have an avenue in which they could support a cause they felt strongly for, while also doing something that a large audience could enjoy.”

“We played a multitude of party games,” Sissac added, “and used an incentive system to reach, and then exceed, our financial goal in far less than the 12-hour time span we gave ourselves. We raised over $1,000 doing something fun and inclusive. That really is the important part about all of this. We sent an important and pointed message, while still having a great time for a great cause.”

Sissac has proven he can gather, lead and empower diverse individuals through his passion for gaming. His efforts certainly make a difference. To learn more about the SIUE Esports Club, visit siue.edu/esports.

SIUE is celebrating Difference Makers like Sissac throughout February. These individuals are just a few of the countless University faculty, staff and students who have made hard times a little less difficult for others. They were nominated by colleagues, students and peers.

Photo: SIUE senior psychology major and Esports Club President David Sissac.