I was very fortunate to spend the fall semester learning creative coding at Gray Area, an arts nonprofit in the Mission. It was one of the most gratifying learning experiences I've had where tackling a new skill set was the goal. I've always had so much self-doubt around coding, because of its roots in math and the baggage I have from middle/high school, and overcoming it proved to be exhilarating.

During the course, the class learned a new medium to create with code each week. Additionally, we had a new teacher each week, exciting for a teacher to experience a variety of teaching styles. Quite the whirlwind! Feeling confident using CSS/HTML and physical computing was something I've tried to obtain many times throughout the past decade, and I did it! Learning P5.js was a real treat and seeing how easily the 7th graders took to it during HEART for our 6-week unit was invigorating. It can be so hard to teach something for the first time and it was amazing how much it reinforced what I had only learned a few weeks prior. Also really I hope the projection mapping skills I learned can be used for the spring musical! I think the 8th-graders will be excited about the possibilities of making the set come to life!

The final showcase exhibition for my class's work was a great experience and created beautiful closure to this learning experience. Having the opportunity to make anything using the skills I had learned starting in September was thrilling. I'm proud of myself for not thinking too big and meeting myself where my skills were at. I'm excited to keep my coding journey going both with students and with personal projects!