Senior Isaac Moldofsky is an avid programmer who plans to pursue a career in computer science. He is the co-president of the Advanced App Development Club at Niles West, and he has been involved in various computer science related activities throughout high school. The NWN sat down with him to discuss his current programming activities and his future plans.
NWN: When were you first interested computer science?
Moldofsky: I was at the Skokie library in third grade or so, and saw that North students built an arcade game and even put it in a functioning arcade cabinet. Learning that a few students could accomplish that, rather than only large companies, opened my mind to the possibilities of programming.
NWN: How did you learn to program?
Moldofsky: I took some intro to Java classes at Northwestern when I was in middle school, but I never really understood what I was doing. I took AP Computer Science freshman year, Video Game Programming and Design sophomore year, and I’ve been learning on my own since.
NWN: Have you been involved in any computer science related clubs/classes/jobs in middle school/ high school?
Moldofsky: I am the founder/co-president of the App Development club at West. I’ve also taught introductory programming with Sizzling Summer Science, and I have taught at Dev Bootcamp [a company that teaches individuals how to program].
NWN: How have these clubs/classes/jobs helped you advance your skills/knowledge in coding?
Moldofsky: Dev Bootcamp showed me a great programming community and gave me a chance to work with the most motivated students I’ve ever seen. I had to teach myself outside of work so I could help the students to the best of my ability, which led me to many topics I would not have known about otherwise.
NWN: Have you applied your knowledge of coding to create computer or mobile programs?
Moldofsky: Some notable projects of mine are an SMS parser and an iOS/Android app for the Literacy Center.
NWN: Have any of these programs been implemented into use?
Moldofsky: The Literacy Center project is in the process of being integrated right now.
NWN: Do you have any upcoming projects you’ll be working on?
Moldofsky: I’m working on a feature for the new home of public media(i.e. radio stations) with a great team from around the US. Melody, the leader, has received a grant from the Knight Foundation.
NWN: How have your activities involving computer science impacted your life up to now?
Moldofsky: I can’t imagine my life if I didn’t know how to code. It’s such an integral part of me now, and has greatly influenced what I want to do in life. One specific impact could be that I just think/look at things differently as a result.
NWN: Do you plan to pursue computer science in college?
Moldofsky: Definitely. I’m not 100% sure where I want to go; I’m looking at some schools in Chicago, New York, California, and Indiana.
NWN: Do any of your future goals involve computer science?
Moldofsky: I’d like to change the world for the better. Computer science powers instant communication around the world, and many other modern wonders, so it seems like a great tool to use for accomplishing that goal.
