I wish to study Computer Science to further my understanding of computing and the theory of programming to allow me to work in more languages.
One of my most successful creations, and something I am very proud of, is "Branon". In September 2010, I started programming the app for iPad which I released in January. Since then I have released iPhone, Windows and OS X versions. They provide an easy method for users in countries with controlled internet (e.g. China) to access filtered sites anonymously. Branon is used across the world by over 35,000 people which since its launch in January 2011 has had over 2.5 million page-loads, and has resulted in numerous complimentary emails "changing people's lives".
When the Microsoft Surface was released, I felt inspired to create something similar. I approached my Headmaster to request that the school finance a project for me to build one. He readily agreed to support my initiative subject to the finished product sitting in his waiting room; as it does now, working well. Over the last two years with the help of a friend a friend we built a 28" touch screen display table top, using a mix of my own scripts and third party ones.
I enjoy the challenge of building/improving hardware. I have researched, designed and built my own PC system, and installed OSX Lion onto it.
I have an interest in business and commerce, importing and selling laser pens and other items from Hong Kong, making a profit in order to fund acquisitions for other projects, such as my web hosting company, and more recently my app/software which more than funded the PC project.
Since my initial interest and enjoyment interacting with programs with typed commands, the projects I have worked on have grown increasingly complex. At the age of 10, I developed my first website from scratch in HTML for fun (magiccove.com) originally in Dreamweaver, and then in Notepad. I learnt a tremendous amount and my interest in servers was sparked (an area I am still interested in today, though more as a necessity). More recently I have programed a suite of apps suitable for iOS devices, Macs and PCs.
I have created numerous websites, including an automated webhosting "company" (using some third party scripts), a sports club site, and the development from scratch of a page for a Company animated Christmas card greeting, using After Effects.
I am completely self-taught, referring to forums and books when research was needed to develop my skills. I have also taken the initiative to develop ideas with similarly minded people. This approach has worked for me including learning to manage a CentOS server.
My key strengths are determination and curiosity. I always finish the task. Physically, completing my Gold D of E and achieving a brown belt at Tae-Kwon-Do are examples of achieved goals. Technologically, the installation of a stable copy of OSX onto a PC was most challenging, though I enjoy solving such puzzles. Educationally, I am taking four A2s. The contributions to society made by Apple and Microsoft inspired me to undertake the optional EPQ. Anticipating a heavy A2 workload, I completed the two largest sections by September.
I enjoy reading widely, including fiction and autobiographies. I have just finished "The Philosophy Gym" by Stephen Law, and have begun re-reading it to better understand the arguments. I particularly enjoyed the discussion on the possibility of Time Travel and "how do we know we are really alive?".
My good organisation skills and reliability meant that last year I was selected to be a Prefect, with responsibilities for our First Year group. My training in "Advice, Care, Help and Empathy" and 6 years assisting in my school Chapel gives me the tools to work in a team, and demonstrates my commitment to helping others.