My name is Violet, and I’m an 8th grader. When I was nine years old, I started coding my own video games on Roblox. I didn’t want to just play games, I also wanted to code my own games. I learn best by being hands-on.
I gave a TED Talk to my entire school about my passion for coding video games. I explained how I learned to code. My dad told me I should use my mind to think instead of just playing games, and that’s why I decided to code my own games. The games I created were released on Roblox so my friends could play them and give feedback. You can watch the TED Talk I gave to my school on the website I built.
My interests span from coding video games to being a content creator, building e-bikes, indoor rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, and designing different aquatic ecosystems. Most of what I do is self-taught. My Christmas list is full of fish tanks and equipment for the many aquatic ecosystems I have planned.
My mentor is my dad, who is an engineer that worked building trading systems in New York City. His last company he built called Ticket Utils was recently bought by eBay. His new job is buying and selling real estate in Texas. Sometimes I travel with him where we attend real estate auctions together in Texas. He teaches me about his work and how to run a business. I used his advice to start my own dog walking business in my area.
I have so many passions and projects to share that it would never fit into this essay. That’s why I created an entire website for my Bergen County Academies (BCA) application for the Class of 2030. On the website, you can learn more about me, watch my TED Talk, and learn why I would be the perfect fit for the BCA Academy for Business and Finance.
My dad taught me there are leaders and followers. I’m proud to say I am a strong female leader. I hope to keep on this path with the help of BCA. Thank you for reading my application. My website is www.AboutViolet.com
-Violet H.
(Click the video below to watch my TED Talk presentation to the entire John Dater School)
In fifth grade, I gave a TED Talk to my entre school about one of my favorite things — video games. I love playing them all the time. My dad told me I should use my mind to think instead of just playing games, and that’s why I decided to code my own video games.
In my TED Talk, I talked about how I learned to code. I started by watching YouTube videos, and then I joined a coding school where I learned how to use Roblox Studio to code video games.
The first step is always using my imagination to come up with an idea. I’ve made mazes, flying games, and a bunch of other random ideas. The game I’m most proud of is called Violet Star Obby. It’s an obstacle course game where you try to finish in the fastest time. My record is 15 seconds — see if you can beat it!
Making my own games taught me to be creative and to think in new ways. It’s fun to come up with ideas and then make them real. Coding has shown me that learning can be exciting when it connects to something you love.
Below is a list of the many games I created and are currently available to play on Roblox:

Learn about how I progressed from fishing off the docks, to an expert fisher using a fully decked out kayak and multiple fishing rods.
I have an IEP in reading, which means I learn a little differently than some other kids. I do best when I can learn by doing things hands-on, and when I’m learning about things that really interest me. Click to learn more about My Educational Journey.
Learn all about how I built my own ebike, and now a well followed content creator about the subject.
One of my biggest passions is indoor rock climbing. I’ve been doing it since I was very young. My dad has taught me that healthy living is a mix of learning and exercise.
Learn about my current Aquatic Ecosystem, and what i have planned.