All about my avatar: Rupert Uriza

The first thing that you might notice is that Rupert Uriza is male and I am female. The reason for this is because when I was first checking out Second Life, I didn't want to be hassled by guys. I thought guys would leave Rupert alone. I just had the default avatar for a while and added bits here and there but basically, I still looked like a newb. I also didn't think I'd stick with Second Life so I wasn't too worried.

The big change came when I started doing a course about teaching in Second Life. I really stood out as being the new person. Everyone else had a different avatar and they changed their clothes and I just looked so amateurish in comparison. So, I bit the bullet and went out and bought a skin and some clothes and some hair. I spent a lot of money and purchased many disasters before I got something I was happy with. When I had completed the new Rupert, girls started chatting me up. When voice came long that stopped that!

Right from the start I've been aware that I was representing my university so I've always dressed fairly conservatively and behaved appropriately (whatever that means). I have tried to express my personality through the way Rupert dresses. I try and find interesting clothes but still his clothes that are fairly modest. I find it difficult to buy clothes that are different. I haven't started making clothes yet (apart from the odd t-shirt).

Now, Rupert has lots of different outfits! One of the things I'm doing with my classes is encouraging them to do historical reenactments and role-plays. So, I'm always on the lookout for outfits to facilitate that. Because I teach in studies in religion, Rupert can be anything from a Buddhist monk to a Catholic bishop. I have even bought a titler for him to make the illusion complete. Poor Rupert: it's a wonder he doesn't have an identity crisis!

I have filled out Rupert's profile so for those who look, my real identity is obvious. I've also been upfront with Rupert's purpose in SL.