At the heart of almost every area of life today, there is likely to be a computer. Over the last decade, computers have grown in power and ability, so much so that we have become reliant on them in almost everything we do. This excites me because it means that if you have the skills and understanding of computer-based systems, there is always somewhere where you will be needed. Furthermore, the idea that absolutely anything can be achieved if you can program it is what motivates me the most.
In Year 7, I learnt how to program in Python through an extra-curricular club. Very quickly, I picked up the basics of programming and was able to create simple but efficient programs that the teacher had challenged me to do. For me, Python really opened the door to other programming languages and styles. Fascinated by the ability to control computers, I was drawn towards Game Development using the Unity3D Game Engine. I was quickly introduced to the Object-Oriented programming style of C#, which is different from the linear style of Python. At first, the lack of running order confused me, however through many YouTube tutorials, I grasped the key concepts and advantages over Python. A few years later, I launched “Gravity Rebound” onto the Google Play Store and in the first few weeks got over 40 downloads and two 5-star reviews. This really helped me understand the process of making an app/game and how it is published onto an app store.
In year 11, I entered a team-based programming competition through my school called HP CodeWars. It lasted 3 hours in which the teams had to complete as many programming tasks as they could. The tasks ranged in difficulty, some only requiring a few lines of code and others involving file reading and writing. The thing that I found interesting was that varying levels of input validation were required. For example, an easy program would only have to work using a valid input whereas the harder problems would require the program to reject all invalid inputs and not crash. The competition really helped me learn how to write simple but efficient programs that were easy to construct. For me, the most important thing was to write almost modular programs so that you could write and test each part of the problem separately and then combine it all at the end.
I am currently being paid to develop an Android app called "Live From Rest". We are not taught how to use Android Studio at school, so I have taught myself. I found it interesting how separate the UI and layout, written in XML, was to the functionality, written in Java. It also helped me understand more about the Android platform and the different features of it.
In early 2018, I took part in a week of work experience at Accenture through Industrial Cadets. Each day, I was set specific tasks to complete but would not have time to do everything I would want to do. This really helped me learn how to manage my time effectively and prioritise what tasks to complete. For example, finishing the base functionality before making a fancy looking UI.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing badminton for a local club which helps me keep fit and socialise with a wide range of people. I also volunteer at my church, running the sound desk every other Sunday. Summer 2017, I participated in the National Citizen Service (NCS). I found myself as our team’s leader which showed me how to involve everyone in the team and use the strengths of each member to solve problems, then present the solution well. We chose to run a Family Fun Day for a local charity and I made a video to raise awareness of their work. Collectively, we managed to raise a total of £1,000, which is the most any group has ever raised from the Newcastle United Foundation NCS.
For me, programming is one of the most unique and valuable skills that you can have. Using computers is one of the most natural things I do. That is why I want to continue learning about computers and how to use them at university.