Mother's Day Spotlight - OCC

For John Watkins, esports started with a simple school announcement and a conversation with his mom.

John is now a student at Onondaga Community College (OCC), majoring in Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Sciences, and on the OCC esports team. However, his path into esports began years ago when his high school introduced the idea of an esports club.

“I first got involved with esports when my high school made an announcement,” John said. “I remember that I was very interested in the idea of an esports club, and instantly went to my mom to make sure I could stay after school for the informational meeting that the club was having before its opening.”

John’s mom, Melissa Watkins, did not hesitate to show support.

“When I went to her about the club, she instantly said that I could do it, and that she was happy that I found something extra that I seemed very interested in doing that was somewhat related to school,” he said.

Melissa remembers that moment clearly and the excitement she felt seeing John find an activity he truly enjoyed.

“I was very excited,” she said. “I’ve always asked him to pick one extracurricular activity and when he told me his high school was starting an esports team, it was the first thing he seemed truly excited about.”

As John became more involved in esports, his mother’s support became a constant. From practices to competition days, she helped make sure he could fully participate.

“My mom was the person who really supported me the most,” he said. “She made sure I was always able to make both practices and the game days, along with any travels that the club did as well. I would consider her to easily be my biggest supporter.”

That support also helped him balance esports with the rest of his life.

“It was really helpful to have my mom be so supportive of me while I played esports,” John said. “She always made sure that I was able to get anywhere I needed, and helped me improve my physical wellbeing when she found a gym that I could go to right after esports.”

Over time, Melissa's understanding of esports grew.

“Being a GenX mom, my first video game console was an Atari — the level gaming has achieved is truly mind-blowing to me,” she said. “In high school, when I picked him up after practice or a meet, I loved hearing his recap. It truly hit home how the team came together when I was able to go see his high school team compete at Elite Gaming.”

Today, her role is a bit different. John now studies online and competes from home, but his mother still plays a part behind the scenes.

“In college it’s different now. He is a full-time online student and competes from home — so now my ‘job’ is to get him dinner prior to meets and be sure our internet is at its best so I don’t hear ‘Mom- it’s lagging’!” she said.

For parents who may still be unsure about esports, Melissa believes the core values are the same as traditional sports.

“I tell people this is the future and although it feels different to us because we grew up having to go to a field or gym to play a sport, it’s the same concept, teamwork and problem solving,” she said.

Beyond competition, esports also changed John’s relationship with school.

“Esports was one of the major reasons that I started liking school again,” he said. “It helped me connect something I love with school, which motivated me to work harder in my classes.”

Melissa says what makes her most proud is not just the results, but her son’s attitude toward his teammates.

“John is an incredibly positive person and no matter win or lose I always hear him being positive with his teammates,” she said.

Gaming has become something they enjoy together.

“The world of gaming has evolved so much, and it’s absolutely amazing,” Melissa said. “We regularly attend the Retro GameCon locally and I’m so grateful that my son takes the time with me to look at the ‘old tech’ as he calls it so I can reminisce about when I had to go to a computer lab to play Oregon Trail.”

This Mother’s Day, John reflected on what his mother’s support means to him.

“The love and support of my mother is something that I consider invaluable,” he said.