Student Spotlight: Dominic K

How One Kid Discovered Creative Value in Coding and Robotics

Meet Dominic, who is learning to code at CodeWizardsHQ. His creativity in coding has led him to be our Student of the Month!

Dominic discovered his interest in coding through robotics. Coding is the part of building robots that makes things happen, and while it is only one part of the process, it was the part that held his attention. The idea of using code to create from a blank canvas, where nothing was before, captivated him and Dominic found the possibilities freeing.

“In other hobbies, such as sports, there are set rules, but in coding, there are no rules. You get to make your own projects, with nothing holding you back but your own creativity.”

CodeWizardsHQ was offered as an extracurricular course in his middle school, and Dominic decided he was up for the challenge.

“I thought it would be a nice hobby to pursue, so I joined, and really enjoyed it. I liked how coding is something that you can create.”

At first, his interest in coding was about finding a fun way to spend his time. Later, it became clear that coding was doing more than simply entertaining him. It was actually helping him in his life.

Dominic found that he could answer more questions at school and he already knew the answers because of what he learned while coding. And when he began making games for his friends, they took notice of his skills as well.

“I have truly benefited from coding, and it will give me new opportunities, and chances to do more awesome things.”

Dominic and his friends saw the benefits through the games he made, but his parents saw benefits, too.

“Even if a child is not interested in coding as a career, learning to code helps him/her think logically and methodically, promotes attention to detail, develops critical thinking skills, improves problem-solving abilities, and inspires creativity. These skills are useful in any career path a child may choose as well as in daily life.”
Dominic’s Parents

Now, Dominic is using his abilities with code to stretch his creative muscles. Instead of simply consuming games, he makes them, both for himself and for his friends at school. It’s challenging, but Dominic isn’t one to back down from a challenge. Instead, he uses what he’s learned in class to problem-solve and make something great.

And if a problem he can’t figure out does come up, he knows that he can lean on his teacher’s expertise.

“I was working on my own game, outside of class, and reached out to him (Ivann, Dominic’s teacher) about a problem I had with it. He was happy to help me with my game, and I was able to finish it, and it looks amazing.”

Dominic’s parents aren’t sure of the long-term impact that coding will have on his future. But they are definitely pleased that he is learning and believe that ultimately it will be a boon.

“At this stage, we just want him to have fun. If he chooses a coding-related career, he will have a good knowledge base from which to build. If he does not, he will have developed many skills that can be applied in a multitude of ways.”

While Dominic is currently busy coding games for fun, he does have an eye towards the future. Game development can be a challenging field, yet it’s a career he feels he could be successful at especially since he already has experience building games for his friends.

“I would like to become a software or game developer. I enjoy making games now, as a hobby, and being able to make money from games or websites I can create for companies is a dream of mine, as well as making a very popular game that many people like.”

It’s definitely a possibility.

But no matter what the future holds for Dominic, his parents know that coding has already taught him many of the skills and habits he needs to succeed.

“It has changed how he views the world around him. Instead of wondering how something is done, he researches it. He has an increased level of confidence in himself and his abilities.”

And for now, that’s enough.

Here is what Dominic’s Teacher, Ivann, had to say about him:

Dominic has always shown great interest in programming and it is a pleasure to be a part of their programming journey. Dominic’s work ethic and great personality will only broaden their opportunities in the future. Keep up the amazing work Dominic!
Ivann Grande, CodeWizardsHQ Teacher