Eleanor may be only nine, but she already brings a remarkable mix of focus, curiosity, and creativity to everything she does. As a CodeWizardsHQ student, she is just as happy building a Python game as she is stepping onto the karate mat or picking up a fencing blade. Her instructor calls her a standout in class, and it is easy to see why she was chosen for a Student Spotlight.
In just three courses, including Intro to Python, Eleanor has embraced each new challenge and is eager to keep going. She shows up ready to learn, shares her projects with confidence, and treats every lesson as a chance to create something new.
Discovering Coding
Eleanor’s coding journey began as a family conversation. Her dad, who works in finance and accounting, had been exploring how useful coding could be in his own career. Hearing him talk about it made her mom think seriously about how valuable coding might be for both of her children. Even without a programming background herself, her mom felt strongly that learning to code could help Eleanor no matter what path she chose in the future.
“I feel like if she has the skills, no matter what she is going to do, she will be able to find a job,” her mom shared.
Her mom started researching programs online, comparing options and watching videos. She kept returning to CodeWizardsHQ because the website was clear and easy to understand. She liked the detailed explanations about how classes work and appreciated that the program eventually leads to a high school internship opportunity.
Eleanor’s older brother enrolled first and dove into Python. Watching him code sparked her interest. She began with Scratch, then counted the days until she could start Python as well.
“She could not wait to start Python,” her mom said. “She was so happy when she finally got there.”
Eleanor also has a natural love of building things. Whether she is working with Legos or writing code, she enjoys creating something new from simple pieces. That curiosity and creativity helped her feel right at home in her early coding lessons.
Diving Into Projects
Once Eleanor reached Intro to Python, her imagination took off. She has already created several memorable projects, each one showing new skills and creativity.
One of her favorite early projects was a space-themed game where the player travels through the galaxy to reach a “Pizza Planet.” Eleanor enjoyed bringing that tiny universe to life on the screen and guiding her character through a fun, interstellar challenge.
She also loved working on a puzzle where players had to enter the correct guesses to unlock a secret gate. She liked making the game react to each attempt and finding ways to make the challenge feel exciting and rewarding.
Another memorable project was a space maze she created. The player weaves through obstacles, reaches a door, and then faces a final showdown by battling a ship. It is a great example of her growing technical skills and her creativity in designing interactive worlds.
Looking ahead, she already knows what she wants to do with what she is learning. “I want to make fun games so people can try them,” she said. The idea of creating experiences that others can enjoy motivates her as she moves forward in Python.
Learning and Growing
Behind each project is a growing set of skills. Eleanor enjoys seeing how different pieces of code work together and how small adjustments can transform what happens on the screen. She likes the feeling of progress as she learns new concepts and brings her ideas to life.
Her mom has noticed that coding has become something Eleanor takes ownership of. She follows along confidently, asks questions when she needs to, and enjoys the rhythm of learning a little more each week. Staying with the same instructor has helped her feel steady and supported, and it shows in how willing she is to share her work.
With each lesson, Eleanor is building confidence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities that carry into the rest of her life, from her hobbies to the way she approaches challenges.
Learning In and Out of the Classroom
At school, Eleanor’s favorite subject is social studies. “I like social studies because I get to read stories about the past,” she explained. She enjoys learning, writing, and discovering new pieces of history through the stories she reads.
She also likes reading for fun, especially Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dog Man. Her love of stories connects naturally to her interest in game creation, where she builds her own adventures on the screen.
Strength, Skill, and Creativity
Outside of school and coding, Eleanor leads an active life. She trains in karate twice a week and has already earned her black belt, an impressive accomplishment at her age. She began karate when she was three, and from the start she listened attentively, focused well, and impressed her instructors.
Eleanor also practices fencing and has been doing it for about two years. She trains with a club, wears the full gear, and competes within the program. “I have a first-place medal and two third-place medals,” she said proudly.
Karate and fencing complement each other well. Both require speed, discipline, and awareness. Eleanor has noticed how the movement and control she learns in karate help her defend and react quickly during fencing matches.
She also dances, starting about a year ago. She enjoys hip-hop classes and even chose dance as part of her summer activities. Her schedule stays full of movement, practice, and creativity.
Music is another important part of her life. Eleanor has been playing piano for about five years, beginning when she was four. She comes from a musical family, and her mom encouraged both children to explore music early.
At home, Eleanor helps care for three pets: a German Shepherd named Gunther, a relaxed cat named Mickey, and an energetic hamster.
Looking Ahead
When Eleanor imagines her future, she sees herself caring for animals as a veterinarian. Coding may or may not be central to that career, but she already understands it can support almost anything she chooses to pursue. Her mom agrees and believes giving her children coding skills now will help them stay prepared in a world shaped by technology.
Between her discipline in karate, her precision in fencing, her creativity in dance and music, and her growing skills in coding, Eleanor has built a strong foundation for whatever comes next.
It seems her instructor, Justin, agrees:
Eleanor always goes above and beyond in class. She consistently answers questions, participates, and presents her project to the class. She is always engaged and learning.
Justin Broussard, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor
