Activate Storyboard
Flow
Intro
Chapter 1
Minigame 1
Chapter 2
Minigame 2
Minigame 3
Chapter 3.1
Chapter 3.2
Chapter 4
Epilogue
Intro
This is a visual novel experience meant to gauge your current level of political engagement in a fun and refreshing way!
Click to advance.
Intro
It is best to make each choice as if you were in that situation instead of choosing the ‘correct’ answer.
Please be honest and have fun!
Intro - C
Hi there! I’m Caieta, it’s nice to meet ya! I’m a sophomore in University, and while I haven’t decided on my major yet, I’m thinking about doing something where I can help innovate and come up with new ideas. Oh - I’m also on the basketball team! I love playing basketball, I’ve been doing it since I was literally a baby (my first pacifier even had a basketball on it). I’m currently on an athletic scholarship AND doing work study - though sometimes I wish I had more time to study, I’m really going to need it this semester.
Likes: Basketball, Family, my dog Pepper
Dislikes: Licorice
Hobbies: Going to the gym, Hiking, Hanging out with my friends!
Intro C
Intro - A
Hey, I’m Aniyah - also a sophomore at University. I’m a Business Major, I really would like to be in some sort of leadership position. Maybe CEO one day? Or head of a non profit? Anything where I can help support others and do some good along the way! I’m just not entirely sure how to get there yet. I was thinking about maybe starting a club or something here at school to not only get some practice, but also being able to help our community here. I love to organize and plan! Someone’s gotta be the one to get things done - why not me?
Likes: Helping others, Standing up for what’s right, really really good smelling candles
Dislikes: accidentally killing my plants :(
Hobbies: Trying to keep my plants alive!
Intro A
Intro - B
And I’m Bella! I don’t like public speaking, but I love to write - especially poetry and short stories. I write about anything and everything - usually what happens to be on my mind at the time. Right now? My mind is worried about getting through sophomore year - I’ve heard it’s the hardest year of Undergrad, especially if you’re studying literature (which I am)! Luckily I have some of the best friends in the world, and as long as I have them I know I can do anything.
Likes: A good book, rainy weather, and a cozy blanket
Dislikes: Unfair systems
Hobbies: Writing poetry and short stories
Intro B
Intro - D
Nice to meet you! My name is Dana - also a sophomore this year. I am passionate about the environment and being kind to the earth. I’m studying political science because I want to learn how to make real change in politics and be a better environmental activist. Well, how to be a better activist in general - not just for the environment. I love learning about political history and precedents to see how change was made in the past so we can learn how to make good changes for the future!
Likes: Research, Being Environmentally Conscious, My Political Science Courses
Dislikes: global warming.
Hobbies: cuddling with my cat, Winston
Intro D
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
THE CATALYST: the characters learn that one of them didn't get a scholarship and is really worried about being able to pay tuition. She’ll have to work more hours at a minimum wage job and juggle school.
Chapter 1 begins_01
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 begins_02
Shot 1
A: Hey guys! How’s it going? I miss you all soooo much!
B: Miss u all!
A: Same! What courses are you taking?
D: Hey friends, long time no see…
D: I’m taking chemistry
[Next Button]
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Shot 1
C: !!! <angry upset emoji>
A/B/D: Oh no! what happened? / Are you ok? / talk to us!!
[Next Button]
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Shot 2
C: My talk with coach about my injury did not go well.
A/C/D: [sending emoji] oh no! / What did she say?? / We’re here for you!
[Next Button]
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Shot 3
C: I’m too upset to text about it, can we hop on video to talk about it?
A/B/D: of course! / gimme 2 mins and i’m there / *calling now*
[Next Button - open video call]
shot_03_01
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Shot 4
C: Coach talked to the doctor. I need surgery on my ankle
[Next Button]
1 person C sad1
4 people not talking
(first screen when transit to video call, and then start with C talking)
Shot 5.1
C: If that wasn’t scary enough, even with the surgery, I’m not going to be able to play for the rest of the season. Or maybe ever!
[Next Button]
1 person C cry
I’m not going to be able to play for the rest of the season, or maybe ever!
If that wasn’t scary enough, even with the surgery,
1 person C sad2
Shot 5.2
C: And if I can’t play, I’ll lose my scholarship. My work study won’t let me take on anymore hours. I’ll have to find an off-campus job. But I already feel so behind this semester!
[Next Button]
And if I can’t play, I’ll lose my scholarship, my work study won’t let me work anymore hours so i’ll have to find an off-campus job,
but I already feel so behind this semester, I don’t know if I can afford to lose those study hours!
1 person C deepsad
1 person C sad3
Shot 5.3
C: I’m sad, scared, frustrated, and so stressed out! I wanted to talk to y’all about it.
[Next Button]
1 person C sad1
Shot 6
A: That is absolutely horrible!! What can we do to help?
B: Can we raise some money to help you breathe a bit?
D: Yes! That way you can focus on studying for midterms, and we can help you job hunt after!
[first select branch]
1- We’re always here for you! But I’m not sure what to do next.… How can we help? (point + 1）
2- I have no ideas. Shouldn’t we get professionals to help?
3- Let’s raise money to help! GoFund Me campaigns can’t be that hard to do! (point + 2)
3 people A sad1
3 people D talk1
Select branch C
3 people B sad2
Shot 6.1
B- We’re always here for you! But I’m not sure what to do next.… How can we help? (point + 1）
C: I think right now what I need is extra cash, but I don’t have time to look for a job with exams coming up.
A: We can look into some things, maybe we can raise some money for you?
3 people B talk1
Shot 6.2
D- I have no ideas. Shouldn’t we get professionals to help? (point +0)
C: I don’t think I can afford a professional right now.
B: Let us help! Maybe we can raise some money for you?
3 people B sad2
Shot 6.3
A- Let’s raise money to help! GoFund Me campaigns can’t be that hard to do! (point + 2)
C: That would be amazing! You all are the best!
D: We just want to do what we can to help.
3 people A talk2
Shot 7
C: Thanks so much for saying all that, I love y’all so much. My ankle is starting to hurt again. I’m gonna take some ibuprofen and try to sleep it off. Talk to y’all later!
A/B/D: Sleep well / we love you! / Talk to you tomorrow
[C Hangs up -> press okay]
Chap1 shot 7 C left the room
4 people C sad4
4 people A talk2
4 people B talk2
4 people D talk2
Shot 8
[Show Zoom UI]
B: Wow. That must be so hard.
D: I can’t even imagine!
A: I hate feeling helpless, I want to do something!
[Next]
3 people B sad1
3 people D sad1
3 people A sad1
Shot 9
D: Who mentioned raising money? That can be our first step!
B: Yeah but where do we start?
D: I can make a GoFundMe! But I need some help. Anyone available?
[2nd selection branch]
1- Yes! I’d love to help! (point+2)
2- I want to help but I don’t think I’m the person for the job (point+0)
3- I can help later. Get started and I’ll double check everything. (point+1)
[selection 1+3, send user to mini game1. Selection 2, jump to chapter 2]
3 people B sad2
3 people B talk2
3 people D talk1
Select branch D
Shot 11.1
B- Yes! I’d love to help! (point+2)
D: Great, let’s get started!
3 people B talk1
3 people A sad1
Shot 11.2
A- I want to help but I don’t think I’m the person for the job (point+0)
D: It’s pretty easy, I can show you how.
3 people B talk1
3 people A sad1
Shot 11.3
B- I can help later. Get started and I’ll double check everything. (point+1)
D: Great, I’m going to go get started then.
3 people B talk1
3 people A sad1
Shot 12
Transition to minigame
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
THE FIRST STEPS: The characters decide to help with a fundraiser. As they are doing the fundraising, they are hearing more and more similar stories from students and they see some major campus and social factors at play that seem unjust and inequitable.
THE REALIZATION OF THE BIGGER PICTURE: the characters come to see that the problem actually wasn’t losing the scholarship, it was social factors. They make a list of the real issues.
THE REAL PROBLEMS: Expensive tuition, minimum wage is not a living wage, high interest loans
Two Weeks Later
Shot 1
C: Guess who passed all their midterms?!
A: Congrats, girl!!
C: I couldn’t have done it without y’all, that extra cash saved the day.
B: Let’s celebrate soon!
[Next Button]
4 people C not talk
4 people A talk2
4 people B talk2
4 people C sad4
Shot 2
C: I want to! But now I need to get serious about finding a job.
D: Speaking of, I was talking to Evelyn from my history course, and she went through something similar last semester! It wasn’t an athletic scholarship, but she lost her academic scholarship.
A: Really? Fatima was telling me the same thing about her sister too! She almost lost her scholarship when her GPA slipped below a 2.2.
[Next Button]
4 people C angry1
4 people D angry2
4 people A angry2
Shot 3
B: Seems so unfair! it’s so hard to lose scholarships so easily that we work so hard to get! I wish we could help everyone.
D: Me too! But how?
[selection branch 3]
1- Let’s brainstorm and make a list of all these issues to figure out where to start. (+2)
2- Let’s ask around. It would be good to hear more stories and get advice.(+1)
3- I don’t really have a clue. But I’m ok with whatever ideas you have! (+0)
4 people B angry1
4 people D angry1
Select branch D
Shot 3.1
A: Let’s brainstorm and make a list of all these issues to figure out where to start. (+2)
(+2)
4 people A talk2
Shot 3.1
D- - Let’s ask around. It would be good to hear more stories and get advice.(+1)
(+1)
A: That’s a good idea! For now though, let’s start by listing the issues?
4 people A talk2
4 people D talk2
Shot 3.3
B- I don’t really have a clue. But I’m ok with whatever ideas you have! (+0)
(+0)
A: Let’s start by listing the issues?
4 people B sad2
4 people A talk1
Shot 4
B: Sounds good to me! So, how do we help people that lose their scholarship?
C: Losing my athletic scholarship does really suck, but I think there’s bigger issues that affects everyone!
D: Hmmm, what do you all think?
[selection branch 4]
- 1- The bigger issues are expensive tuition, low minimum wage, and high interest student loans (+2)
2- The biggest issues are scholarship rules, low minimum wage, and high interest student loans (+1)
3- Problems? What problems? (+0)
4 people B talk2
4 people C angry2
4 people D angry1
Select branch D
Shot 4.1
C- The bigger issues are expensive tuition, low minimum wage, and high interest student loans (+2)
4 people C sad2
Shot 4.2
B- The biggest issues are scholarship rules, low minimum wage, and high interest student loans (+1)
A: I think instead of athletic scholarships, the issue is expensive tuition.
D: Yeah, and expensive tuition affects all students.
C: So - Expensive tuition, minimum wage is not a living wage, high interest loans
4 people B angry2
4 people A angry2
4 people C angry1
Shot 4.3
A- Problems? What problems? (+0)
(+2)
B:Athletic scholarships, minimum wage is not a living wage, high interest loans?
A: I think instead of athletic scholarships, the issue is expensive tuition.
D: Yeah, and expensive tuition affects all students.
C: So - Expensive tuition, minimum wage is not a living wage, high interest loans
4 people A talk2
4 people B talk1
4 people A angry2
4 people C angry1
Shot 5
B- Those are all pretty big issues to tackle…
D- should we start with just one?
A- if we want to tackle tuition we could start a petition to demand the University Board to decrease tuition!
C- We could also organize a rally to demand higher wages for on-campus student jobs!
[SelectionBranch - all options same points]
4 people B sad2
4 people D sad2
4 people A talk1
4 people C angry1
Select branch C
Shot 5.1
B - We should plan a rally!
C: How would we do that?
D: I did some googling, and there are some good resources online. Looks like something we can do right now is make a graphic with the location, date, and time.
A: Cool! Let’s start!
4 people B talk1
4 people A talk2
4 people C angry1
Shot 5.2
A - We can start by writing the petition!
C: How would we do that?
D: I did some googling, and there are some good resources online. If someone can write a draft we can start getting signatures.
B: I’ll write it!
B: ...And I’m done! Let’s get some signatures!
4 people B talk1
4 people A talk2
4 people C angry1
Shot 5.3
C- I’m good with anything!
A: What if we organize a rally?
D: I did some googling, and there are some good resources online. Looks like something we can do right now is make a graphic with the location, date, and time.
B: Cool! Let’s start!
4 people B talk1
4 people A talk2
4 people C angry1
Shot 6
Transition to appropriate minigame
Chapter 3
Chapter 3.1 Petition
THEY ACTIVATE ON CAMPUS: Expensive tuition -> they circulate a petition asking the board to decrease tuition. Minimum wage is not a living wage -> they organize a rally to demand higher wages for on campus student jobs. Loans come with high interest -> ask student government and university president to give all students financial counseling.
One Week Later
Shot 1.0
A: Great work! We collected almost 5,000 signatures!
B: Such a smart move to collaborate with other student organizations
C: And blast it out on social media!
D: So, what's next?
A: Let's find a way to get it to university leadership and show them how many students are affected by this!
4 people A talk2
4 people B talk2
4 people D talk2
4 people A talk1
4 people C angry1
Shot 1
A: So, how should we get our petition to the right people?
[selection branch 6]
1- Let’s contact student government
2- We can try to find an email for university leadership
3- I have no idea. Wait and see, I guess.
4 people A sad1
Select branch A
Shot 2.1
C: Let’s contact student government
A: Awesome! I emailed Uzo, our student body president. CC’d you.
B: Looks like she already replied! That was fast! Student government heard about our petition and we’re invited to their next meeting to talk about it!
[ALT 1]
D: Let’s build on this momentum and start organizing that rally!
[ALT 2]
D: I wish there was more we could do!
4 people C sad1
4 people A talk2
4 people B talk1
4 people D talk1
Shot 2.2
B: We can try to find an email for university leadership
A: I emailed a bunch of people in the university leadership but I haven't hear back. I'll keep trying,
B: Some good news! Looks like Gina in Student Affairs has been following the petition. She wants to meet with us next week!
[ALT 1]
D: Let’s build on this momentum and start organizing that rally!
[ALT 2]
D: I wish there was more we could do!
4 people B talk1
4 people A sad2
4 people B talk2
4 people D talk1
Shot 2.3
D: I have no idea. Wait and see, I guess.
A: So what should we do while we wait?
B: We could keep collecting signatures?
[ALT 1]
C: Let’s build on this momentum and start organizing that rally!
[ALT 2]
C: I wish there was more we could do!
4 people D sad2
4 people A talk1
4 people B talk1
4 people C angry1
Shot 2.4 [ALT1]
A:: Let’s connect after our meeting and figure out what we need for the rally.
B: Sounds good to me! How should we prepare for our meeting with leadership?
4 people A talk2
4 people B sad2
Shot 2.5 [ALT2]
D: I wish there was more we could do too! There’s only four of us. How can we get more people involved?
B: Maybe we can form a student organization about student rights?
A: Let’s sync up after our meeting and figure out what that would look like! I like it!
B: Sounds good to me! How should we prepare for our meeting?
4 people D sad1
4 people B talk2
4 people A talk2
4 people B sad2
At The Meeting
Shot 3
At conversation with student govt - cutscenes of a successful conversation
Chapter3.1 shot 3_SchoolPrincipal
Chapter3.1 shot 3_StudentGov
Chapter 3.2 Rally
THEY ACTIVATE ON CAMPUS: Expensive tuition -> they circulate a petition asking the board to decrease tuition. Minimum wage is not a living wage -> they orgnize a rally to demand higher wages for on campus student jobs. Loans come with high interest -> ask student government and university president to give all students financial counseling.
Shot 1
A: Now that we have our social media post, what should we do now?
[selection branch 7]
1- Let’s contact other students and get the word out!
2- We can start making a list of things we need for the actual event!
3- I have no idea. Wait and see, I guess.
4 people A talk1
Select branch A
Shot 2.1
B- Let’s contact other students and get the word out!
A: Great! Contact everyone in your classes. And invite all the student organizations!
C: I’ll get the basketball team to show up!
B: I can draft an email to send out to student email lists!
[ALT 1]
D: Let’s build on this momentum, we can also start on that petition idea!
[ALT 2]
D: I wish there was more we could do!
4 people D talk1
4 people B talk1
4 people A talk2
4 people C sad4
4 people B talk2
Shot 2.2
D- We can start making a list of things we need for the actual event!
D: We probably will need some sort of sound system.
C: We can sell snacks to raise some money!
The character that is an artist: Count on me to design posters the rally!
[ALT 1]
A: Let’s build on this momentum, we can also start on that petition idea!
[ALT 2]
A: I wish there was more we could do!
4 people D talk1
4 people A talk2
4 people C angry1
Shot 2.3
C- I have no idea. Wait and see, I guess.
A: So what should we do while we wait for the big event?
D: We probably will need some sort of sound system
C: Maybe we can sell snacks to raise some money too?
A: We should also contact people in our classes and other organizations!
C: I’ll get the basketball team to show up!
B: I can draft an e-mail that we can send out to some student email lists!
[ALT 1]
C: Let’s build on this momentum, we can also start on that petition idea!
[ALT 2]
C: I wish there was more we could do!
4 people C sad1
4 people A sad1
4 people D sad1
4 people C sad1
4 people A talk2
4 people C angry1
4 people B talk1
4 people C sad1
Shot 2.4 [ALT1]
A: Let’s meet after the rally tomorrow and figure out how to start the petition?
B: Sounds good to me!
C: Everyone get some good sleep and drink plenty of water tonight!
4 people A talk2
4 people B talk2
4 people C angry1
Shot 2.5 [ALT2]
D: I wish there was more we could do too! There’s only four of us though, is there a way we can get more help?
B: Maybe we can form a club that focuses on these issues?
A: Let’s meet after the rally tomorrow and figure out how we can do that!
B: Sounds good to me!
C: Everyone get some good sleep and drink plenty of water tonight!
4 people D sad1
4 people B talk2
4 people A talk2
4 people B sad2
4 people C angry1
At the Rally
Shot 3
At the rally - cut scenes of a successful turnout
Chapter3.2 shot 3_Rally
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
THEY TAKE ON CAMPUS LEADERSHIP ROLES: After their petition, rally, and conversations with student government, they pursue leadership roles to be at the decision making table. They run for student government, they join/form leadership clubs, they pursue internships with a policymaker, a campaign manager, and a non profit working on raising the minimum wage.
The Next Day
Shot 1
A: It awesome seeing how students can make such a difference!
B: I had a no idea we had so much power to change things.
C: It feels good knowing I'm not just helping my friend, but possibly helping future students!
D: What else can we do? Let's keep up this momentum
A: We could keep raising awareness for other issues that come up?
B: Plan more rallies, and get more petition signatures!
[selection branch 8]
1 - We need to be a part of the decision making process!
2 - What if we run for student government?
3- I would love to plan more rallies and get more petition signatures!
[Next Button]
4 people A talk2
4 people B talk1
4 people C angry1
4 people D talk1
4 people A sad1
4 people B talk2
Select branch B
Shot 2.1
B-We need to be a part of the decision making process!
A: Let's start a club that focuses on issues that matter to students!
B: Yeah, then we definitely have a seat at the table!
[Next Button]
4 people B talk1
4 people A talk2
4 people B talk1
Shot 2.2
D- What if we run for student government?
A: That sounds great! Elections are coming up soon!
C: I’d like to run for office
B: I’ll run the campaign!
[Next Button]
4 people D angry2
4 people A talk2
4 people C angry1
4 people B talk1
Shot 2.3
C:- I would love to plan more rallies and get more petition signatures!
D: I’m going to look for an internship that can help me build these leadership skills!
A: There’s a nonprofit working on raising the minimum wage!
D: That’d be perfect!
[Next Button]
4 people C angry1
4 people D talk1
4 people A talk1
4 people D talk2
Shot 2.4
D: Oh, look at the time! It’s already time for dinner! I gotta go, but I’m so proud of us!
B: Awesome job everyone! Great work! I know it can be hard since real change can take a long time, but we can keep building off what we're accomplished!
C: Yeah! And who knows, maybe by the time we’ve graduated, we will have made a real impact on this place!
A: I have a feeling we will...
4 people D talk2
4 people B talk1
4 people C angry1
4 people A talk2
Shot 3
Cutscenes of the characters taking on campus leadership roles:
C runs for student government, (B manages campaign)
ALL form leadership club,
they pursue internships with a policymaker (A), a campaign manager (B), and a non profit working on raising the minimum wage (D).
The girls take on campus leadership roles during their time at university.
Campus Leadership - A
C runs for student government, (B manages campaign)
ALL form leadership club,
they pursue internships with a policymaker (A), a campaign manager (B), and a non profit working on raising the minimum wage (D).
I decided I wanted to see how policies were made and if I could help create policies that I believed in. This way I could have a bigger impact on my community! I found an internship with a local policymaker - she’s actually kind of a big deal in our town, she runs it! Literally, she’s the mayor. Just last week I got to help design a policy proposal for free menstrual products in every public school bathroom.
I also helped form a leadership club with my friends, and I’m Head of Communications.
chapter 4 shot 3 A
Campus Leadership - B
C runs for student government, (B manages campaign)
ALL form leadership club,
they pursue internships with a policymaker (A), a campaign manager (B), and a non profit working on raising the minimum wage (D).
After managing Caieta’s run for student body president, I wanted to see if that was something I could do professionally - especially for candidates I believe in as much as I believe in Caieta! Lucky for me, one of the area’s most successful campaign managers had internships - and I was able to get one. I can’t wait until I am a successful campaign manager one day!
I’m also the Head of Operations for our leadership club.
chapter 4 shot 3 B
Campus Leadership - C
C runs for student government, (B manages campaign)
ALL form leadership club,
they pursue internships with a policymaker (A), a campaign manager (B), and a non profit working on raising the minimum wage (D).
Losing my athletic scholarship and not being able to play basketball anymore was tough, and for a while I wasn’t sure if I would be able to stay in school. But thanks to the support of my friends (and applying to every academic scholarship I was eligible for) I not only was able to continue my education, but also run for student body president! Bella ran an amazing winning campaign (on the platform of creating more academic scholarships from alumni donations), and now I get to have a direct line of communication to those at the university who can make change! Next week I get to meet with the Director of Alumni Relations to figure out who to make those scholarships a reality.
chapter 4 shot 3 C
Campus Leadership - D
C runs for student government, (B manages campaign)
ALL form leadership club,
they pursue internships with a policymaker (A), a campaign manager (B), and a non profit working on raising the minimum wage (D).
I’m so proud of the work Caieta is doing as president, and what we are able to do as a club, but I still wanted to make an impact beyond our University. I’ve always been passionate about raising the minimum wage, and now I work with a non profit organization whose entire mission is to raise the minimum wage to a living wage. We are focusing on our town first, then the state, and then we will join forces with all the other organizations across the country working on the same thing! It’s so inspiring to see everyone work together for a common goal. Once I graduate, I think I’d like to run for office myself - what do you think?
chapter 4 shot 3 D
Epilogue
Epilogue
THEY ACTIVATE IN THE COMMUNITY: Their on campus activation builds their interest in political leadership and gives them skills to go into these fields after graduation, for example: A goers into political communications and manages communications for campaigns. B Becomes an outspoken activist around making education accessible for all. They start a non-profit. C works for a think tank writing policy proposals. D launches their first campaign the day they graduate. They run for school board.
Cut scenes like the movie credits “where are they now”
Storyboard order - left to right; file names as epilogue 1 to 7
4 people A not talk
4 people B not talk
4 people C not talk
4 people D not talk
4 people C deepsad
4 people C cry
A/B/C/D
Select branch A
Select branch B
Select branch C
Select branch D
A/B/C/D selection branch
4 people A talk1
4 people A angry1
4 people A sad1
4 people A sad2
4 people A angry2
4 people A talk2
A
4 people B talk1
4 people B angry1
4 people B sad1
4 people B sad2
4 people B angry2
4 people B talk2
B
4 people C angry1
4 people C sad3
4 people C sad4
4 people C angry2
4 people C sad1
4 people C sad2
C
4 people D talk1
4 people D angry1
4 people D sad1
4 people D sad2
4 people D angry2
4 people D talk2
D
1 person C sad1
1 person C sad2
1 person C sad3
1 person C cry
1 person C deepsad
4 people not talking
3 people A sad1
3 people B sad1
3 people D talk1
3 people A talk2
3 people B talk1
3 people B sad2
3 people B sad2
3 people D sad1
3 people B talk2
Chap1 shot 7 C left the room