When it comes to Loops in coding, the process is rather interesting.  Mrs. Taylor helped us understand that all the work was not required as you can insert the code block and the action will repeat itself with no long codes being required, when one wants to have a repeated action inside a code. I would struggle to comprehend how to use this system when using sites such as Scratch but with a bit of guidance, I was able to finally make my own codes that used the repeat block and even got into how to incorporate nested loops in my own work. When I learned about the world of looping, my programs got way easier, and I felt more motivated to keep learning about coding in general. I was able to create far more complex codes that were made more enjoyable with looping which is why this is my favorite unit by far. In Unit 4, ‘Repeat Block Activity’, I was able to follow along with the steps provided to me in order to make my very own program which was very hard at first but seemed to almost get easier the more I followed along. After this unit was over, I had moved on to something else on our unit which was a quick step-by-step process on how to make a snowflake with Code.org which was one of the most memorable activities I have done in my class by far. This activity helped me create different loops in order to make a snowflake out of codes. Not only did I create a snowflake, but I also learned how to become better at coding which was something that brought me immense joy. When I could successfully incorporate coding into my future programs and do it in the correct way, I felt like all the progress I had made in this class made the class much more fun, not just coding but a way to create something digitally with skill and passion.

Furthermore, Looping has also been a prime example weirdly, on how I could be a successful student. After a while of procrastination and a few tears, I saw that life does not simply get easier if one just sits there and expects the present to fix itself to create a better future. I have even myself, had this mindset of ‘good things happen to lucky people’ but with age, I have grown to believe that life is what you make it. A constant loop of procrastination leads nowhere and finally realizing that made my eyes open and my heart feel hope for the first time in years. I now know that there are easier ways to life that not only benefits those around me but also myself. Being able to be successful within yourself is what will make one a successful student. When I was in class leaning about looping, this exact motivation was made present to me in a weird but understanding way. I noticed how easy it was to just insert a repeat block which minimized the amount of work so easily. After I saw this, it got me thinking on how ironic it is to give up in my future. If I take steps to make myself become a better me, life gets easier and constantly overthinking about the smallest mistakes reminded me of how long the code was before the introduction of looping. When the repeat block was placed, this represented the shift in mentality that I could obtain that could change my life for the better. No entity will help me; however, I can help myself and become like that block that makes things easier. Now my motto is ‘good things happen to those who try their best’ and I fully believe that and thanks to the unit of looping, I can now see that I can do better. I recommend to always no matter what, get out of the loop and understand the worth within yourself.

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NONDISCRIMINATION COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR Katherine Ritchie Rapp, Equal Opportunity Programs and Ombudservices 711 East San Rafael Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-2599
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