Nora is a standout student at CodeWizardsHQ with a passion for coding, a love for learning, and a competitive drive that shines both in the classroom and on the golf course. At just eleven years old, she has already developed a strong foundation in programming, tackled complex coding projects, and competed in high-level golf tournaments. Her journey into the world of technology began with a simple introduction to block coding. Still, her curiosity quickly led her to explore deeper, mastering multiple programming languages and envisioning a future where she blends her interest in robotics with coding.
Discovering Code and CodeWizardsHQ
Nora’s coding journey began in fourth grade when she was first introduced to Scratch. “I remember that in fourth grade we had a few lessons on computer science where we were using Scratch to block code,” she recalls. “That, I think, was the first time I got interested in coding in general.” Her teacher had explained that while Scratch was block-based, “under the hood, it’s like all coding languages.” That realization piqued her interest: “I was interested in using coding languages because that’s the base of everything online.”
Nora’s dad, who has a software background, recognized her growing interest and took the advice of a friend who suggested CodeWizardsHQ. “One of my friends brought it to my attention. He spoke greatly about it, and we thought it would be a good idea for her to try it out, and of course, she liked it.” Once enrolled, Nora quickly embraced the curriculum, enjoying the interactive lessons and hands-on approach. Her excitement for coding continued to grow as she progressed through her courses, reinforcing her passion for programming and technology.
Coding Projects and Future Goals
Now, after nearly a year of classes, Nora has developed a real passion for coding. “I think that coding is a really good way to solidify yourself,” she says. “As computers and software become more and more important to daily life, it’s very useful to know how to code.”
At CodeWizardsHQ, she’s had the opportunity to dive into different programming languages and projects. “Some of my favorite projects have been in the beginning of the HTML and CSS course,” she shares. “I remember there was a project where we had to create a web page. That one was really fun. It introduced me to what the purpose of HTML and CSS is.”
She has also enjoyed her Python courses: “In Beyond Basics with Python, I liked the project where we did the Haunted Treasure project. I loved how it was like a game.” Nora referenced a project where students become treasure hunters in a spooky mansion, coding a game to secure treasure while avoiding ghosts. They learn function parameters, keyboard controls, conditional statements, and collision detection.
When it comes to coding concepts, Nora is especially drawn to front-end development. “I like CSS and HTML because that’s the base of websites,” she explains. “They both go hand in hand. You can’t have CSS without HTML. Well, you can have HTML without CSS; it just doesn’t look very pretty.”
Looking ahead, she has big dreams for what she wants to learn next. “I would love to learn how to code games,” she says. “And code an actual platform where you can have animations and graphics. That would also be cool.” She already has a long-term vision for her future. “I am interested in robots and I know that code is how you give instructions to robots. I’ve always been interested in that, and I do want to turn that into some form of a career.”
A Well-Rounded Student: Academics, Sports, and Hobbies
Beyond coding, Nora has a variety of academic interests. “I like a lot of my subjects, but my two favorites are social studies and science,” she shares. History fascinates her because “You need to know where you came from. You need to learn about the past so that you don’t repeat the same things that happened in the past.” She’s particularly drawn to learning about different civilizations. In science, Nora reports that she loves studying space.
Outside of school, Nora is an accomplished athlete. She has been golfing for seven years and has already made a name for herself in the sport. Competing in the PGA Junior League, she plays regularly and hones her skills through frequent tournaments, often participating in several each month. Her dedication and talent have earned her a spot on an All-Star Team for the last three years, a recognition reserved for the top players in her league. Beyond league play, she takes on independent tournaments to challenge herself further, continuously improving her game. With a strong competitive spirit, Nora is committed to excelling in golf while balancing her many other interests.
Though golf is her main focus now, Nora has also participated in other sports. “She’s an avid swimmer too,” her dad shared. “She started swimming when she was three.” When asked about her favorite stroke, she replies, “Probably backstroke.” She also played volleyball but has since shifted her attention to golf.
In addition to sports, she has creative hobbies. “The other two things that I love to do are drawing and reading,” she says. She’s an avid reader who especially enjoys fantasy books, Harry Potter being a favorite.
A Bright Future Ahead
With so many interests and talents, it’s clear that Nora is an incredibly well-rounded student. Her curiosity, determination, and passion for learning make her an exceptional young coder. Whether she’s building websites, dreaming up video games, or envisioning a future in robotics, she’s sure to do amazing things, and with her competitive edge on the golf course, she proves that she’s just as skilled outside the classroom as she is in it. We can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next!
Nora is always the first to jump in and answer questions, no matter how challenging they are. In fact, I’ve started saving the toughest ones just for her! If the whole class is stuck, we all know Nora is the one to call for help. She’s not only a brilliant problem solver but also an incredible teammate, always active in class, and eager to support her fellow students.
Josh Ennis, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor
