Elias Land, a 10th-grade student W.H. Adamson High School in Dallas, has been part of Bold Idea’s Coding Clubs for five years. He also participates in the P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) at Adamson.
We connected with Elias recently to understand what keeps him coming back to Bold Idea every year and his plans after high school.
Bold Idea: You joined Bold Idea in the 6th grade and now as a 10th grader, you’re still learning to code with Bold Idea each week. What has kept you involved?
Elias: I have always had a passion for computer science. Being able to be a part of Bold Idea allowed me to expand my knowledge about coding, and I kept coming back to do so. I guess the thing that kept me involved was the fact that I was looking forward to creating my own big project (which I am working on this year).
How has Bold Idea changed your confidence and where do you see myself after high school?
Bold Idea has taught me a lot about computer science. Because of it, I believe in myself a lot more about how I can create anything I can think of using HTML, CSS, etc. After high school, I see myself taking on an internship that involves computer science. I want to go to college and study to get a master's degree in computer science (or even get a doctorate for it). I am also interested in criminology and criminal justice, so I want to see if I can get degrees in both and maybe in the future, get a job that incorporates both.
What have you learned or gained from participating in Bold Idea?
Over the past five years that I have been with Bold Idea, I have learned the basic and some advanced skills of HTML, CSS, and a little bit of JavaScript.
What are you looking forward to the most in Coding Club next year?
If I am not able to finish everything that I want to create on my big project, I would want to work on it next year. But overall, I would also love to learn more skills and become advanced in HTML, CSS, and other coding languages if Bold Idea has any to offer.
What is the big project you are working on?
The project I am working on is the creative project, which is a part of the Coding Club. Since I have completed the guided practices and other intro lessons, I am now able to create my own creative project of my own choice. This year I am creating a website that is all about our solar system. So far, it's a great, fun experience.
Are you taking any computer programming or IT courses right now?
In P-TECH, I am also a high school student and a college student, so I am taking classes in Adamson and with Dallas College. There are two different pathways, and I chose Software Development (the other pathway is Networking). This year, I am taking college courses, one each school semester. This semester, I have been taking a fine arts course which is Music Appreciation. Next school semester, I am taking an Introduction to Sociology course. It really won't be until my junior and senior year, I am able to actually go to the college and take courses that actually involve computer science. Junior year, I will be taking a course called "Programming Logic and Design" and "Java Programming". Senior year, I will be taking a course called "Advanced Java Programming" and "Project Management Software".
How can Bold Idea make your learning experience even better?
If there are any internships or events that I could speak at with team members from Bold Idea, I would love to participate in them if I do get the chance. I want to be more involved with this program and maybe someday, come back and be a mentor for incoming students.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
All I want to say is that being in Bold Idea was probably the best decision I've ever made. I have learned a lot from this program and I am grateful for everyone I have met throughout the years and all the knowledge that has been taught to me. I will stay a part of Bold Idea for as long as I can, as a student and as a mentor or guest speaker, if Bold Idea would have me.