EPT(It's been a while since I posted anything here on Teamliquid about myself, because well, a noname is a noname, but I just felt like sharing this with you, dear community, please don't beat/eat/bite/tear or any other nasty nasty action against me.
)2012 - My year of StarCraft!
Originally, I actually wanted to make this into a videolog, however, time constraints. But, I would like to look back at this year. Share the upsides, small victories, but also the downsides, struggles. Every story has two sides and the main character of this story is not without struggles and happy moments either.
Diamonds are forever!
Sufficed to say, that I made it into Diamond sometime in January. That was a good way of starting my year, wasn't it? For those following my story so far, as a reminder, and even for those, who are unfamiliar with my story - I originally started out as a really, really low Bronze player, with no RTS/StarCraft/Brood War experience. So yes, for me, that was huge achievement. I was really happy and my motivation was going through the roof. It was certainly one of these small steps on my journey I was happy about. Back then, I was still part of one Czech team, however, the team wasn't very active and I haven't learnt much from them, which was my main grief. I didn't want to be just that "token female" or a team mascot. So, around January, I left the team, to try and join
Team Fem-FX, which used to be female-only team (Disbanded couple of months ago).The worst enemy - myself
At the beginning, things seemed all neat and nice with my new team. The team seemed really tight, even though I really struggled with them, as my notorius anxiety was kicking in, and I was really shy around them. There were some nice people along the way, Lydia, who was the team's CEO, was nothing but a super, Austin, who was one of the managers, been a good friend ever since as well. Sufficed to say, by the time I decided to join them, I was already struggling with myself, as depressions seemed to re-emerge, but I didn't want to admit that to myself, I didn't understand the signs, I didn't even understand myself at that point. Around March, things got really bad, and I suddenly dropped everything I had passion for. I was hating on myself, all I could feel was this ever-present fatigue, everything felt like a chore. I couldn't find any enjoyment in my life. I was simply surviving, it wasn't even living.
At the top of all,
Team Fem-FX's activity dropped. People stopped showing up at practices, and overally, everyone saw StarCraft more and more casually. I knew I needed to have highly motivated people around myself. I knew, that this alone should help me through my depressions, as I somehow seem to be highly motivated by people, who are likely to be highly motivated as well. Forwarding to the end of March, I announced my departure from Fem-FX. I needed a change and I needed it fast. I needed to find like-minded, highly motivated, and positive teammates. A place, where I could grow not only as a player, but also as a person. Of course, I knew there would be obstacles, given my anxiety issues, which cause me to be really shy around new people, but at the same time, leaving things as they were, that'd mean me withering even further.So, around the end of March, after I left Fem-FX, I actually finally found courage to apply to
vVv Gaming. I didn't understand how the team/community operated back then, but I was familiar with their tolerant approach to people, as well as they'd accept you no matter where you were, personally and gaming speaking, plus they had rather solid lineup consisting of players like 
RockEr, 
Glon, 
SeoHyeon and daisuki, whom I felt I could learn a lot from. Simply said, I hoped I'd find my chance to gradually continue growing as a StarCraft 2 player, to get over my depressions and solidify my practice at last.The Academy - under construction!
Few of those familiar with the situation in
vVv Gaming will remember, that vVv Gaming's StarCraft 2 community lacked a person, who'd push things forward. I needed something to do, so I basicly did writing and graphics. At that time, my depression was still at it's peak though. I still missed a solid team of like-minded people. It's something I wanted to find for a long time. A team dedicated to growth in StarCraft 2. And since I still had no luck in this regard, an insane idea struck my mind - Why not to try and make an Academy team in vVv Gaming? Both it takes the "Entertain, Educate, Dominate" on the next level, and I'd also be able to have something I've only dreamt of - A solid, dedicated team, who live, breathe and shit StarCraft. I made a very, very long write-up and sent it to the vVv management, crossing my fingers, well aware of the fact that their previous Academy ended up with a huge fail.DreamHack Summer, the personal Trial of Fire...?
I have to sidetrack here a bit. The Academy project was still in discussion between me, LordJerith and some other people from the management. But, I was starting with practice again. After solid 5 months of erraticness and lack of practice, I was getting back to it. I saw a hope, something to aim for. Despite of me still struggling with depressions, I felt a bit more energetic once more. So, when an opportunity to travel to Dreamhack to Sweden emerged, I was shitting gold bricks. I saw it as an opportunity to learn, grow and also to fight my personal struggles. And surely I did fight them. I also learnt a lot. I was on emotional rollercoaster. Sheding tears after defeat by
meRz, but also happiness, that I could breathe that all-StarCraft 2 atmosphere. Happiness from meeting White-Ra, who is someone I truly look up to. Being glad for meeting some of the people I've known only online until then!After DreamHack, I've made many realizations. How much StarCraft 2 means for me, and how much I needed to grow stronger as a person, if I was to pursue this passion. For those interested in reading more about my DreamHack Summer Adventures, check here.
The Academy - Emerges!
On 4th July, while still being on holidays with my family, after being in a car-crash (yeah, rough patch there, it sucked really bad, as it killed my chance to get to DreamHack Valencia), the vVv Academy team was announced officially on the team's page. Me being me, I had to get online for the launch day, despite of being on holidays. It was a big day. Of course, I was put in charge of the team, so I was a team's Captain, manager and player in one. It's just how I do things. I wanted to lead by best possible example, as that's how all good leaders should be. Well, it's something I truly believe. Take it as you wish. The team started with mostly Diamond and under players, a bunch of guys, who were to suddenly act as a team. It was time for all of us to learn to be a team. And for me to learn, how to be a leader.
The only pain you feel, is the growth one!
No growth is without pain. Something I learnt during the couse of the time I've been with my Academy team. I see my self-doubts emerging quite a lot. Am I doing my job correctly? Am I truly the captain, manager and player this team deserves? I won't deny it, I've often been feeling really down from the fact, that I am the weakest player in the lineup. I often call myself, literally "a fucking excuse for a player". Depressions in and out, they make me an emotional bomb at time. It is really easy to doubt one's self. Especially when things get out of my control. When self-doubts and lack of good performance occur.
The Academy team gives me a purpose, a drive. Something I didn't have for a long time. There are glimpses of moments, when I feel that maybe, maybe I am worth of something to others. That I can be of help. A light in the darkness. I should also mention that to combat my anxiety/shyness, I've began making videologs, to learn expressing myself better while talking (after that disaster in my first ever video-interview at Dreamhack, lol). I believe that during the time I've been doing them, I've actually became less awkward - enough to be bold and if someone asks me ever again (I hate, hate that question), if there's any advantage to being a
I've grown very fond of my team. They are my second family away from home. Seeing all of them progress, seeing them grow, I couldn't be more proud of them. Despite of all of my personal bullshit, I've been able to hold, and I know I am not going anywhere. A big part of why that would be would be that team. I don't care how much crap some people throw at vVv Gaming or my Academy team. They don't know us; living in the past - Surely vVv Gaming's management did mistakes, but should I be constantly paying for them, when I wasn't even part of the team when that was happening? And well, it is true we are not the best players out there, wrecking tournaments, but I have some of the most passionate people on my team. That is what counts. You can't learn that, unlike in-game skills. These can be gained if you train properly. But you can't teach your heart to love something, if it's simply not there.
It is my job to cherish this passion, this dedication, not just in myself, but also in them.
Small Thing at the end!
I should also mention that my friend
RyanRushia came to visit me to the Czech republic, we had some awesome time together. After knowing each other for like, most of my StarCraft 2 existence (he even calls himself my "SC2 mom" - that's another story though!!), it was simply awesome to meet him in person. Some friendships simply last long and I am happy to call Ryan my friend. <3Epilogue
Coming to an end. Everything has an end, and this writing is no exception. What to look forward to? My personal wishes? First of all, I want to become a more solid player, with a good, healthy practice habits. To learn to accept losses and setbacks, not just in StarCraft, but also in general; and that they are not the end of the world. To accept the fact, that I too am just a human being, making mistakes, without going and hating the shit out of myself. To learn to forgive to myself, to be more patient with myself. To be able to see the good, positive things about myself, both in regards to StarCraft 2, but also in general.
I want to compete more in StarCraft. Really hoping to go to DreamHack (Early Bird Dreamhack Summer tickets on, late Secret Santa, anyone? Wink-wink ) and show a progress! I want my team to have a reason to be proud of me, as a player! And a reason for me to shed tears of happiness! I know I will, once the time comes! To feel is to exist, and for a change, I want my feelings to be the happy ones!
A new year is closing in. What it will bring? You all are welcome to continue walking this journey of passion with me. As I am nowhere close to the journey's end - after all, I am BabyToss, so to 2013 onwards!
PS: Sorry, no pictures this time! Except this one (take with a grain of salt & humour)!
![[image loading]](http://babytossfighting.kilitar.cz/article/zergOP.jpg)
Zerg OP, OP, OP Style! 
I of course wrote and did some more (including couple of interviews with notable players), usually off Teamliquid, so if interested, check below.
+ Show Spoiler +
My personal blog can be found Here.
My personal ramblings in the form of videologs - YouTube Channel
My Twitter - @vVv_BabyToss
Some interviews I did
Interview & personality spotlight with
White-Ra - Here (originally written for biggest Czech eSport portal in czech language)Interview & personality spotlight with
RyanRushia - HereInterview & personality spotlight with
Scarlett - Here (originally written for biggest Czech eSport portal in czech language)Interview & personality spotlight with
Grubby - Here (originally written for biggest Czech eSport portal in czech language)Interview & personality spotlight with
Glon - Here
