CodeWizardsHQ instructor Michael Maldonado’s journey from an aspiring game developer to an inspiring coding instructor is truly impressive. From the moment he first tinkered with an old laptop to his present-day endeavors in college and teaching at CodeWizardsHQ, Michael has consistently shown a passion for both learning and helping others discover their potential in coding.
How It All Began: The Spark of Coding
Michael’s introduction to coding came at a young age, sparked by his curiosity and a desire to create video games. Reflecting on that first experience, he recalls, “Back in 2007, I had a very old Dell laptop. The hinge couldn’t even hold the screen anymore, so I had to prop it up against a wall. I really wanted to make games, so I looked it up on Google and found something called GameMaker by YoYo Games.” Using a language similar to JavaScript, he dove into coding, creating platformers like Mario.
That early passion eventually deepened, and by high school, Michael was looking into mobile game development for Android. Despite not having many formal coding opportunities, he didn’t let that stop him. “A lot of it was self-taught,” he says. “I didn’t really have a CodeWizardsHQ back then, so it was just looking at documentation online or following tutorials.”
His persistence paid off. By his senior year of high school, he found himself in a modeling and simulation class, where he worked tirelessly to create a game or simulation for his senior project. Against all odds, working solo while his classmates had years and teams of support, Michael took second place in a competition and earned a scholarship and internship. This moment was a turning point, solidifying his determination to pursue a career in coding. Currently, Michael is attending Seminole State College in Central Florida, working toward a degree in computer science.
Teaching at CodeWizardsHQ: A Fulfilling Experience
Michael discovered CodeWizardsHQ while searching for part-time coding-related jobs that would allow him to combine his passion for programming with his college schedule. After stumbling upon an online ad, he saw the opportunity to teach coding to students and thought it aligned well with his skills and interests. Teaching at CodeWizardsHQ has allowed him to connect with students while helping them navigate the world of programming. “I feel like a lot of people have a weird perception of what coding might mean—maybe it’s a lot of math or something like that,” he explains. “But I feel like it’s something anyone can do. You don’t have to be a math genius. You just need a little confidence and some interest in it.”
When it comes to teaching, Michael’s passion for coding is evident in every class he leads. He primarily teaches Python and enjoys helping students build their foundational knowledge. His favorite language to teach is Java, which he describes as providing a deeper understanding of programming concepts. “It tackles a lot of the ‘why’ in programming,” he explains. “Python is a great introduction because it simplifies things, but Java lets us break things down and really understand what’s going on behind the scenes.”
What Michael enjoys most about teaching at CodeWizardsHQ is the opportunity to inspire students. “I think coding is really cool because there are projects in every hobby or industry,” he says. “You can make an app for anything you’re interested in.” His goal as an instructor is to make coding accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their background.
Teaching at CodeWizardsHQ has been rewarding for Michael. “In my first Python class, I had one student who said, ‘Are you going to be my teacher in the future? I really like the way you teach.’ That took me aback, but it made me feel pretty accomplished to know I was making a positive impact.”
Michael is a firm believer in giving kids and teens the opportunity to learn to code and in particular, using the CodeWizardsHQ method.
“There are millions of ways to learn things on the Internet. But not everyone has the discipline to stay on top of what they’re learning. And that’s pretty normal. You have to really want something to stick to it, especially for a long time. But here, at CodeWizards you have a person dedicated to pushing your child along that journey, they’re not on their own, which I think is a really important part of trying to learn anything.”
Hobbies and Aspirations: From Vinyl Records to Game Design
While Michael’s primary focus is on college and teaching, his hobbies reflect his diverse range of interests. He’s an avid collector of vinyl records, with a particular fondness for indie bands. “I haven’t been to any concerts yet,” he admits, “but I plan on going in the future.”
Travel has also become a recent passion for Michael. Over the past year, he’s visited Spain, Japan, and British Columbia. “Japan was amazing,” he recalls. “Walking around Kyoto at night, the streets were empty and peaceful. It was one of the most serene experiences I’ve ever had.” His travels have broadened his perspective and fed into his creative pursuits, particularly his love for game design.
In fact, game design remains a significant part of Michael’s aspirations. He has been working on a prototype for a board game that he hopes to eventually kickstart. “I’ve always wanted to create something that brings friends and families together,” he shares. “A lot of my fondest memories as a kid were playing couch co-op games with my siblings, and I want to create that same experience for others.”
Looking Ahead: Michael’s Future in Tech
As he looks toward the future, Michael has big plans. While he’s considering working for a large company to gain experience, his ultimate goal is to become self-employed. “I have a whole notebook of things I eventually want to create,” he says. “I have a very entrepreneurial mindset, and I want to explore more of my personal projects after college.”
Michael Maldonado is a shining example of what it means to be both a lifelong learner and a dedicated teacher. His journey, from a young boy coding on a broken laptop to a college student inspiring the next generation of coders, is just beginning—and the future looks bright.
