Processing in JavaScript
When I was 11, I got introduced to Khan Academy. While exploring the website, I saw the programming section. From what I remember, it had only four computer courses back then: Intro to JS: Drawing & Animation, Intro to HTML and CSS, Advanced JS Games and Visualizations, and Meet the Professionals. I had heard about the JavaScript programming language from my parents and wanted to know more, so I decided to start the Intro to JS: Drawing & Animation course. The structure of the course made it very easy for a beginning programmer like I was. I loved doing the computing challenges and did not move on to the next lesson until I finished it. Occasionally, I would take a break from the course material and make animations on my own. I made my first animation when I was in sixth grade, even before I learn how to write if statements in JavaScript. I even made an animation for my parents’ anniversary. The biggest difficulty in this project was getting the rectangle to go from the sides to the bottom. I originally had a single conditional from my if statements, but then I realized that I needed the put multiple conditionals. By the end of the course, I learn the basics and JavaScript as well as some object-oriented programing. I also learned debugging techniques and to never give up when the program doesn’t work. Most of all, I got interested in programming and computer science in general.
The Journey Begins
Hi,
My name is Anika Nath and I am 15 years old. I am going to be a sophomore at Stoneham High School this fall. I live in Stoneham Massachusetts with my parents and my younger brother. My family is originally from India, but my brother and I were born in USA. I like playing games, listening to music, riding my bike, and making computer animations. I have a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy (CP) since I was born. As a result, I have a hard time in walking, speaking, and doing fine-motor activities such as writing. However, I am taking all regular classes in school and doing the same work as my peers. Now is that a challenge? Well, of course it is! But do I love the challenge? Well, of course I do!
I always have so many thoughts about life – my problems, school, CP, etc. My favorite pastime is to think about them over and over again and keep these memories fresh in my mind. Some of those thoughts are very special and meaningful to me. However, I never was able to write them and get them out to the rest of the world. I guess that I never had a place to write these things down. But now that I have started this blog, I can share all of my thoughts and ideas.
Thanks for joining me on this exciting and action-packed adventure!
